Borongan mayor regrets at shrunk IRA, won’t let up on cityhood issue

By ALICE NICART
September 18, 2010

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  Malaban la gihap kami!. [We will not give it up!]

These were the exact words of Borongan Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda, referring to the latest Supreme Court ruling which disapproved the cityhood application of some 16 municipalities of the country, Borongan included.

Mayor Abunda’s challenging statement was part of her inspirational message during the orientation seminar of the National Economic Research Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) which was held recently by the Department of Trade and Industry at the Borongan SB Session Hall.

The Chief Executive laments that the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) was abruptly reduced, such that it largely affected their operation.

However, Mayor Abunda is not likely bent to let go of the recent SC ruling adding that they will continue to advocate and fight if off, the legal way.

“Now that only 12 of the 16 applicants have prevailed, we still hope for a favorable turn-around of events,” she said.

With her economic advisers, Abunda is hopeful she can manage the financially strapped LGU because according to her they don’t stop on seeking for advices from experts, the DTI recently.

For the recently concluded fiesta celebration where baratillos invaded the boulevard with temporary stalls, Municipal Administrator, Dayan Agda, in a brief pep talk with this writer mentioned that they have doubled the collection compared to last year’s.

“This is something to ponder on. That when we are serious with our revenue collection, we can do it,” Agda bragged.