First to be discussed were relevant ordinances required by the Seal of Good Local Governance bid of the city, such as local laws on illegal settlers, revision of the GAD Code, and barangay clearance fees. Here, Vice Mayor Salliman asked that these measures be certified urgent so they may be passed on final reading.

Next, City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos requested for a resolution endorsing the Lampinigan Port and Leisure Development Project as the city’s proposal for funding by the Department of Tourism.

There was also a spirited discussion on the city’s 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan pursuant to RA 9003, and by extension the urgent appeal of the City General Services Office to require barangays to establish their respective Residual Containment Areas and Materials Recovery Facility. Mayor Turabin-Hataman then articulated the need for the activation of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office to administer all concerns relevant to waste management and the environment.

Meanwhile, City Information Officer Mendry-Ann Lim spoke on the memorandum of agreement among the LGU, the National Nutrition Council, and UECI for the operations of DXNO Radyo Komunidad. CIO Lim also asked for the same with regards to the Sakayan-Kaalaman: Fridays with the HAPIsabela Mobile Library project of the said office with Busay Elementary School.

Fresh from the inaugural Isabela de Basilan Agriculture Summit, Acting City Agriculturist Eugene Strong made his case for the creation of a Research and Development Division within CAGO, and a partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Training Institute for the construction of a farmers’ training center in Isabela City.

Other matters tackled included the preparations for the Araw ng Kalayaan celebration this June 12, the city’s hosting of the Regional Development Council/Regional Peace and Order Council on June 23, and the Fiesta Alegria na Ciudad de Isabela this July 01-08.

Present during the meeting were Councilors Bimbo Epping, IPMR Councilor Mary May Julhari, SK Federation President Councilor Haizer Salain and Secretary to the SP Rodela Nuñal. Also in attendance were CPDC Engr. Gay Palagtiosa, CHRMO Rosella Luna, CPDAO Gemma Casas-Paculio, LEDIPO Chief Jaime Juanito Rivera, BPLO Chief Albert Porticos, Acting City Engineer Reynaldo Dagohoy, Acting City Treasurer Mary Jane Abenojar, and other officers of the city government.

The primary purpose of the Executive-Legislative Agenda meeting is to discuss and coordinate matters of governance, policy-making, and administration. It provides an opportunity for the executive branch to present proposals, initiatives, or budgetary matters to the legislative branch for review, discussion, and potential approval. Conversely, the legislative branch can also bring forth concerns, inquiries, or suggestions to the executive branch during such meeting. (Words by M. Guerrero/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)