Domogan to critics: Criticism welcome but solutions needed

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan urged his critics to offer alternative solutions to the problems and issues being faced by the city rather than spew criticisms that do not help the city in any way.

            

The mayor said it will be more helpful if people first strive to know the situation and present alternatives on solving them rather than object outright without presenting better options.

            

“We all know that nobody has the monopoly of knowledge and we are aware that (our programs and advocacies are) not perfect, so anybody can make suggestions on how we can improve them and we are very open to these suggestions,” the mayor said.

            

The mayor has recently been the subject of criticisms over his programs on Burnham Park and garbage collection.  

His campaign to pursue autonomy has also been the target of opposition by some quarters.

The mayor reiterated that Burnham Park will not be privatized and the plan to develop Athletic Bowl and selected areas in the park and the putting up of gates does not mean commercializing and closing off the park from public access.

He said the city has to avail of acceptable means to generate revenue for the park which he said requires P36-P40 million to maintain the park but these ventures should not go the extent that the park will be commercialized and the public will be barred from the enjoyment of it. 

On the garbage issue, the mayor said the city has been doing its best to address the garbage problem and ill will by some definitely serves as stumbling block in achieving the city’s goals.

The mayor was referring to the botched plan to relocate the city’s waste transfer and sorting station to a lot in Lamtang, Puguis in La Trinidad which went kaput allegedly due to the interference of two city councilors.

He said it is ironic that the councilors who pledged to serve the city should be the same ones to thwart the city’s efforts.

He said these councilors kept on criticizing his programs but they themselves do not offer any solution at all.

The mayor said that following the failed deal, the city managed to locate another lot also in Lamtang where the transfer station will be relocated.

On the bid for autonomy, the mayor also urged the people to study the draft and offer suggestions to the provisions that need improvement.

“Read it and suggest ways to improve the provisions. Huwag naman basta object ng object,” he said.