In a press conference here, Lacson admitted, however, that almost all projects in Concepcion, where the President’s father, the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was born and later was mayor, were funded locally.
Lacson said the budget allocated by the national government for the hospital was P100 million for this year, and another P100 million for 2016. The provincial government is now spending its P50 million counterpart for the groundworks.
He said Sen. Bam Aquino pushed for the project.
Lacson said his town gets an allocation of about P170 million from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and raises another P60 to P79 million annually from local sources.
He said, however, that he expected local income to be boosted by new investments, including solar power plants which are expected to generate an additional P20 million income annually.
Lacson pointed out that with limited budget, he was able to install 60 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in entry and exit points in his town, as well as in all strategic areas downtown.
The cameras are linked to the police station for monitoring.
This is on top of camera-equipped drones which fly local skies to monitor peace and order as well as threats of natural hazards, as well as six “Segways” that patrol mostly the downtown and market areas.
He also said the local police is now housed in a new P5-milion police station which has been described to be at par with other police stations built at the cost of P11 million elsewhere. He also said each of his town’s 45 barangays have been provided with tricycle patrols equipped with two way radios.
“Routes between the barangays have also been installed with LED lights to enhance peace and order,” he reported.
“Senior citizens in Concepcion get a social pension of P500 monthly and each of our barangays have two oxygen tanks and three nebulizers,” the mayor added.
He cited reports of 97 percent immunization program accomplishment in his town, amid a P6.8 million budget allocated for health as dengue cases are expected to rise locally, “We give free wheelchairs and blood to indigent constituents,” he also said.
Lacson also said that when the national government stopped giving certified seeds to farmers, the local government took over the responsibility. Costing P600 per sack, a total of 10,150 bags have already been distributed to local farmers.
Day care centers have also been established in each of the 45 barangays.
Lacson also cited the beautification of the town plaza where the monument of Ninoy Aquino has been improved with the construction of a fountain costing P300,000.
