Daraga is first applicant for cityhood in 17th congress
In accordance to Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda’s first bill in congress, the Municipality of Daraga has been the first applicant for Cityhood in the 17th congress.
It is known as House Bill 66 which has been passed in the first reading last July 27 on the first working day of House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Local Governments.
Earlier, Joey Salceda said that the cityhood of Daraga was among his top legislative priorities. He also pointed out that Daraga has surpassed its town status and now ready to become a city.
As mandated in Republic Act 9009, Daraga has already met the income requirement for conversion from town to city. For fiscal year 2016, the town has an Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of Php195,002,236.
According to Daraga Vice-Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, the bill requires up to 3rd reading plus the consensus of the congress or bicameral proceedings and public consultations.
Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Daraga is giving its full support to Congressman Salceda’s bill since it will bring more opportunities if the town will be turned into a city.
Baldo also said that the municipality is doing some preparations to acquire the requirements of a city. As of now, Daraga is qualified when it comes to population and land area so they are more focus on increasing the economic enterprise.
“Kami dito ay nagbibigay suporta sa parte ng LGU dahil mas maganda para sa amin ang cityhood, madadagdagan ang pera para sa mga proyekto at basic services ng mga Daragueno,” Baldo added.
Moreover, in case that the cityhood will be approved soon, a lot of benefits will be given to Daraga. These includes additional real property tax that can be spent for road improvements, additional establishments and to provide the basic needs of the people.
Baldo also calls the participation of every Daragueno in order to achieve and acquire all the qualifications needed for cityhood.
