ILIGAN CITY (PIA) – Mayor Frederick Siao delivered his State of the Iligan City Address (SOICA) as mayor here at City Public Plaza on Oct 14.

Siao reported their plans and the initiatives that they have done in the first 100 days of office focused on economic development, social development, environmental development, infrastructure development, and institutional development.

“The first 100 days has deepened our appreciation of how important a united front and collective action is. The first 100 days has given us the inspiration, courage, determination and commitment to make the best better,” he said.

Siao revealed that KCC Mall and SM SuperMalls will be constructed soon in the coming years. Teleperformance, a Business Process Outsourcing company is also set to provide 10,000 jobs in the city. IT Park will soon be built when approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

He said that mass housing will soon be constructed in the city with the help of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development. This includes the 10-storey building at Vista Village and more than 20-storey in Saray. Siao said Iligan City is the first recipient of the Pambansang Pabahay Project of President BongBong Marcos Jr. in Mindanao.

Moreover, crop production and crop development programs will be implemented for the local farmers. He also underscored the importance of intensifying the livestock production through dairy processing facilities and livestock multiplier farms. Fishery production will also be supported through provision of fingerlings and feeds. 300 sentinel piglets were given to backyard hog raisers to prevent African Swine Fever (ASF) in the city. He also announced that the city has been declared ASF-free on Oct.7

In terms of health, herd immunity level for primary vaccination against COVID-19 has been achieved as 97% of the population received their first dose of vaccination and 92% received second dose. However, only 30% of the population received their 1st booster dose and 4% for 2nd dose. Hence, Siao encouraged the residents to get vaccinated and boosted to protect themselves from the disease.

Moreover, Barangay Clean-up drives are conducted every Saturday to prevent the increase of dengue cases. Bloodletting activities were also intensified to ensure enough blood supply.

Siao also highlighted the improvement in the management of City Hospital and City Health Office. He said that there are now accredited birthing clinics in barangays to help decongest the City Hospital.

“Let us do our respective share in making a strong foundation and laying the brick after another to build a city that all of us, our children and their children’s children will be proud of,” he said.

The new administration also envisioned the city as the Waterfalls Capital of the Philippines. Bisita lligan mobile application will also be launched soon to record tourist arrivals, tourist activities, and other data that can be used to improve the tourism industry. (LELAntonio/ PIA Lanao del Norte)