‘Epic Ted’

Ben Contreras

“EPIC TED” is Ted Nugent who made waves in the ’70s. “The Tedinator, Deadly Teddy, The Whackmaster or simply The Nuge… guitarin’ n Detroit Gunslinger Ted Nugent goes by many names, but his riff-mad rock ‘n’ roll speak for itself.”

Here, the Epic Ted is not about Ted Nugent. It is an acronym representing Rep. Rufus Rodriguez’s 10-point agenda. Though not necessarily in the original order, they may well describe his kind of governance once elected into office as mayor of Cagayan de Oro City.

Traffic Management. RR saw the need to augment the number of RTA enforcers in our streets. But they should be those that are industrious and disciplined. Thus, RR intends to undertake a Comprehensive Traffic Education Program for motorists, passengers, students and the general public. RTA’s force would be complemented by Barangay Tanods, CVOs and NGOs.

An Emergency Response System would be established to respond to accidents and others emergencies. The River Taxi project will be pursued for more alternative rides for the people.

Health. Like the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, RR will endeavor to make the JR Borja City Hospital a national hospital so that it could get national appropriation for the purchase of modern medical equipment for more serious illness like MRI, etc.

The construction of two City District Hospitals, each for our two districts that would answer to the needs of the people in the hinterlands is also being considered.

The proximity of NMMC, being in the heart of the city, needs more rooms. Thus, the approved RA 10671 authored by the Rodriguez brothers in Congress saw the prospect of additional 300 beds, making a total of 600.

A mental health facility can be added to the city hospital and there would be more Health Centers spread all over the barangays.

Education, Youth, Culture, and Sports. The establishment of City Public College with free tuition and other fees is long overdue. Other cities smaller than our own already have and that makes this plan imperative. Increase the fund for scholarship program of different schools. Create more school rooms for elementary and high schools.

For public vocational schools, buy more equipment and tools for technical courses. Introduce more social and cultural projects.

Employment and Livelihood. Business thrives in a business friendly locality. RR aims to make our city a Business Friendly CDO by collecting reasonable taxes and fees from the business and the people. Create fund for capital assistance to women groups and NGO-Livelihood Programs. There is also this need to expand cooperative programs.

Peace and Order. Peace and Order is not just the responsibility of our police. It is a collective responsibility that requires everyone’s cooperation and vigilance. The barangay tanods are one potent force that could help maintain peace and order if they want to. Start from the grass root level where everyone knew each other. Knowing who your neighbors are can be a good deterrent to crime.

Tapping barangay tanods also need assurance of aid in case of misfortune while on duty. Thus, they can be provided with insurance plus honorarium. Our security guards can also be tapped by giving them insurance policies

A Comprehensive Anti-crime Program is a must. More patrol cars for our Police to conduct patrol missions for more visibility.

Infrastructure. During the early days of Mayor Dongkoy Emano, we earnestly hoped that he would pursue this project of improving our drainage system. Today, flood has become part and parcel of our daily life during rainy season. RR hopes to solve or minimize this by making a Comprehensive Modern Drainage System.

Continue what the Moreno administration has started by constructing more road to the hinterlands so that our farmers would have no problem in bringing their produce down the city.

Our amphitheater needs a facelift. We need to bring back the good old days when we have a place to go to and listen to our traditional musical programs and cultural shows.

Lastly, we need to have public parking buildings. A growing population of cars needs this badly.

Cleanliness and Waste Management. Twice in the past, our city was awarded as the Cleanest City. Today, we are the exact opposite due to neglect and apathy. I challenge Councilor Eric Salcedo to author an ordinance that would require all to maintain cleanliness in their backyard and fronts. This has yet to be realized. But this is one of RR’s plans.

Collection of garbage should be reverted to the barangay and classification of waste should start from there. Each barangay would be required to have its own Waste Segregation Program and Material Recovery Facility. In short, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! (to be continued)