CITY OF MATI, Philippines The young daughter of then Mati mayor Luis G. Rabat and now the first city mayor of Mati Michelle Rabat bared three priority goals in her first year in office. During the inaugural rites held last July 3, Rabat stressed the need to push for two important codes. These are the Market Code of the City, and the Property Tax Code.
As yet, the Mayor has already laid down her plans her time table for the news days, weeks, and months.
By next week, I will meet with the national agencies. By August, the Barangay Council Meetings should be in place already.
Mayor Rabat will also be closely collaborating with Congresswoman Thelma Almario of the second district of Davao Oriental, Gov. Cora Malanyaon, and Vice-Governor Mayo Almario, while working also on the expansion of the Sangguniang Panlungsod building, the completion of Baywalk, resettlement, and computerization of the financial offices.
Rabat promised her constituents to be the number one implementer of government professionalism.
I dont mind coming second to my Father, after all, there is only one Paking Rabat. And one thing, I know most of you already know the direction that I want. I want us to be professionals, more so now, that we are a city government.
Rabat is fully aware that the people have high expectations on her, but she believes that her people can be professional people.
And as City Mayor, she is also cognizant to the fact that as such, she has to make tough decisions that will affect the people, particularly those in the service.
Vice-Mayor Cesar de Erio his colleagues in the Sangguniang Panlungsod to draft ordinances that would lead to more developments in the City of Mati.
City Councilors Nio Uy, Alan Andrada, Glenda Rabat-Gayta, Beth Pea, Rey Oliveros, Rosendo Linsag, and Alan Acera also delivered their inaugural speeches.
They all vowed support to the new administration, and expressed willingness to heed to the challenge of city hood.
Councilor Nio Uy said cityhood is one thing. And how cityhood can transform our lives is another.
And while the City of Mati still has to prove itself, Councilor Rey Oliveros is optimistic that Mati will make it.
Mati is in its nurturing stage. What we will do now will determine the future of Mati.
In the next three years, the City Council, as revealed in their inaugural speeches, will embark on agriculture industry and its development, programs enhancing sports, culture and arts, tourism promotion, capability building, moral recovery program, among others.(PIA and N. Duallo)
