CDO gov't upgrades basic services, upholds better city

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1009121
• Tuesday, June 19, 2018

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 18 (PIA) -- With over 500 classrooms built, 130 km roads concreted, two more hospitals established, 60 livelihood projects implemented, major tourist spots rehabilitated and basic services boosted, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) is changing and transforming into a better city.

The senator, during the 68th CDO Charter Day Celebration on June 15 at Kiosko Kagawasan, here said, "Cagayan de Oro is blessed and continues to be blessed."

The blessings of modern day living are already here in our beloved city but we need to constantly and continuously work for an even better city," the senatoradded.

In 2017, the regional budget for infrastructure reached to Php17.22 billion and in 2018.

Pimentel said the government allocated Php17.36 billion to boost the region's airports, seaports, bridges, and roads.

Moreover, City Mayor Oscar Moreno said such budget is essential for the flood control program of the city where a projected Php80 million will be used for the urban drainage from Xavier University to Burgos Street.

As for education, the mayor revealed a bigger target for this year aiding the needs of the pupils and students from City Central School with the 50-storey building. In addition, scholarships covering 1,500 students and 4,000 Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) will serve as the priority program of the Committee on Education.

In ensuring quality health and hospital services, the city government currently sponsors the PhilHealth premiums costing Php120 million annually for more than 50,000 indigent families.

Furthermore, the JR Borja General Hospital posted a positive performance in 2017 noted by increases in patients admitted, birth deliveries and surgical operations conducted.

Also, two more hospitals will be built in Lumbia and Tablon.