Bauko mayor urges IRA hike to boost livelihood

By Gina Dizon

BAUKO, Mountain Province -- With the abolition of the priority development assistance funds (PDAF) of lawmakers by 2014 and the call of the government submission of priority projects for line item budgeting, Bauko mayor urged this country’s top officials to increase internal revenue allotment (IRA) of municipalities.

In a press conference following the mayor’s report on the 1st 100 days of  his leadership here in the vegetable producing town of Bauko, Akilit said an increase in IRA is direly needed for infrastructure projects to spur livelihood initiatives in this fourth class municipality.

This, to include construction of farm to market roads, food processing and vegetable trading centers, and organic fertilizer manufacturing  structures and facilities.  

The first time mayor in his October 10 report on the 100 days of his leadership also launched its banner program “gameng ya katagoan” (resource and livelihood) on watershed protection and management, livelihood, tourism and special projects focused on income generating projects.

A jampacked open gymnasium with government staff and officials and town folks- youth, women, farmers, working professionals- were witness to the report of  the executive officials as adopted by the Sangguniang  Bayan led by vice mayor Simon Lacwasan, former local chief executive of the town.

Bauko’s watersheds are where the mighty Chico River’s waters are sourced from to include Mt Data, Kalawitan and Am-o. Akilit, former regional director of the national irrigation authority (NIA) wants these watersheds protected and conserved through reforestation and regreening programs of the DENR and the integrated natural resources and environment management project (INREMP) of the government.

Vegetable production which is the main livelihood of this second biggest town in the province is envisioned to be developed on strengthening of organic farming alongside reforestation.  With organic vegetables production to include Bauko’s carrots, potatoes, and leafy vegetables, food processing is major direction so to developed with equipment support coming from the Department of Science and Technology) DOST, Akilit said.

The participation of non government organizations and peoples/sectoral organizations is enjoined to take part in the development of the town. Revenue generation is a major direction for this fourth class municipality considering a half million local revenues on top of its 67 million IRA from national coffers.

An open door policy of governance to bring government closer to the people was forwarded by Akilit through the establishment of a Citizen’s desk at the lobby of the municipal hall and a performance billboard containing information on budget, programs and projects of the LGU, apart from consultation activities.

Akilit reported that he already initiated organization of councils on  development, school board, peace and order, law enforcement, tourism, nutrition finance and livelihood to support his administration.

Updating of the comprehensive land use plan (CLUP)is equally a main activity to identify zoning for development, ensure efficient allocation and management of the town’s land and serve as one basis for the formulation of the annual investment program of the municipality.