Striking Below Ground: Mayor Klarex's Timely Push for an Underground Cabling Ordinance

SOURCE: cagayandeoro.gov.ph

In a recent city council meeting, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy once again brought to the forefront an endeavor of paramount importance. He passionately asked the 20th City Council to expedite the passage of an ordinance that would move all utility cables and wires underground. As a champion of public safety and city beautification, Mayor Klarex is steadfastly committed to this cause.

On a Thursday morning, Mayor Klarex underscored the urgency of this ordinance during the launching of CDO ICT (Information Communications Technology) Klarex Nga Serbisyo Sa Kable. This event, which took place at Vamenta Boulevard, Barangay Carmen, marked the beginning of the removal of dangerous, untidy 'spaghetti' wires.

The campaign against these 'spaghetti' wires starts at Vamenta Boulevard and extends to Cagayan de Oro City’s uptown areas. This ordinance, according to Mayor Klarex, doesn't merely cover the placement of all utility wires and cables underground. It also includes the removal of rotting poles, which pose a serious risk to the safety of the public and motorists.

Work on this initiative began earnestly in March of the previous year. The city's Kiosko Kagawasan in Divisoria bore witness to the humble rites that marked the start of a significant journey. The placement of utility wires underground will commence at Apolinar Velez Street and extend to Claro M. Recto Avenue.

For his part, Barangay Carmen chairman Raineir Joaquin Uy expressed gratitude to City Hall for spearheading the campaign against 'spaghetti' wires in their area. He acknowledged that this will ensure the safety of motorists and commuters alike. 

Also present at the program were City Councilor Roger Abaday, representatives from partner national government agencies, including the head of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC-10), and representatives of major telecommunications providers. These included PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.)-Smart, Globe, Convergys, and Cepalco (Cagayan Electric Power and Light Co.). NTC-10 Regional Director Teodoro Buenavista is co-chairing the task force with Mayor Klarex.

The push for this ordinance found support in administration Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, who cited Davao City's ongoing underground placement of cables as a model example. The proposal, he believes, is a timely and necessary step towards a safer and aesthetically pleasing city.

During a recent seminar workshop held in a city hotel, the task force recommended that City Hall enter into an agreement with the Misamis Oriental provincial government. The proposed agreement would allow the city to use the underground cabling facilities of the defunct Misamis Oriental Telephone Co. (Misortel), which ceased operations last January 25.

This push for the underground cabling ordinance by Mayor Klarex is more than a move towards a safer, cleaner city. It is a testament to the city's commitment to progress, to modernity, and to the welfare of its citizens. The city of Cagayan de Oro is on the move, and Mayor Klarex is leading the way.

Maximizing Compliance: Inside Look at BIR RDO 98's 2024 Tax Campaign

SOURCE: PIA 10

On February 27, the national tax campaign was officially kicked off by Revenue District Office (RDO) No. 98 of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Cagayan de Oro City under the theme "Sa Tamang Buwis, Pag-asenso'y Mabilis."

The campaign aims to engage taxpayers in contributing funds crucial for the country's economic revival and progress by ensuring prompt and accurate tax payments.

Monib Dimalomping, the Revenue District Officer (RDO), highlighted the campaign's goal of heightening public awareness about tax obligations, emphasizing that paying taxes is not just a legal duty but also a moral responsibility for all citizens.

Dimalomping stressed the importance of the BIR's role in calculating, assessing, and collecting taxes correctly, as well as providing top-notch services to taxpayers. He also underscored the responsibility of tax professionals to offer accurate guidance to their clients.

Furthermore, Dimalomping emphasized that the campaign symbolizes a partnership of protection and assistance between the government and taxpayers, where the government guarantees security while taxpayers fulfill their obligation through tax payments.

He outlined the tangible advantages of taxes in funding government initiatives and services, underscoring the significance of taxpayers remitting accurate amounts to enable the government to operate efficiently.

During the launch event, the official campaign logo and jingle were revealed. The logo depicted a bright sun, representing a promising future. Two individuals, symbolizing the government and citizens, united in cooperation with the BIR logo at the center, forming a heart to signify their dedication to the country and tax compliance. The upward arrow in patriotic colors signaled progress aligned with the spirit of the Philippine Flag.

As part of the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, Revenue Region 16 Director Emir Abotazil urged taxpayers within RDO 98's jurisdiction to actively support the campaign for a better Philippines.

The launch was attended by BIR stakeholders in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, including representatives from various Chambers of Commerce and Industries, tax professionals, and withholding agents.