Davao City welcomes neophyte councilors

NEOPHYTE councilors in Davao City bared their plans once the 20th City Council begins in July 2022.

Third District Councilor-elect Lorenzo “Enzo” Benjamin, the son of the late councilor Jose Louie, and incumbent councilor Mary Joselle, said he is still thankful for the support he got despite being at the bottom of the roster.

“Nalipay ko bisan naa ko sa dulo, nasa number eight, daghan gihapon nagboto sa ako (I am happy despite being at the bottom eight place. I am happy because people still voted for me),” he said.

Enzo, a licensed physical therapist, vowed to continue the programs started by his mother, including enacting ordinances that aims to address the health sector.

He also said that he would continue to push free services in the communities such as circumcision, dental, and other health services.

First District elect Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, meanwhile, is pushing for the improvement of the information and communication technology (ICT) in the city.

An ICT graduate, Militar is hoping that he would be given the said committee in the Council.

“If ever kana mahatag sako na (I will be given a) committee, I will improve the information technology of the city, and to improvise the business transactions, going online na tanan (everything will be going online),” he said

Bonz, who has been a chief of staff of his grandfather, longtime and outgoing Councilor Bonifacio Militar, said the latter had long wanted him to run.

“Pagkadaog nako, happy kaayo. Since last term na niya, naa siya gibilin para mapadayon namo ang serbisyo na iyang nasugdan (When I won, he was happy. Since it is already his last term, he gave me things that I need to do so that I would be able continue what he started),” he said.

Former broadcaster-turned-councilor-elect Tek Ocampo said he is also pushing for more financial assistance to senior citizens.

Ocampo, who has been in the media industry for more than 20 years, said he had personally witnessed social problems particularly in the communities and the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

“Diha nga punto, daghan tag himuon para matabangan nato atong igsuon nga naglisod (In that aspect, we will be looking into how we can help our marginalized folks),” he said.

He also vowed to push better access to copies of important documents, particularly ordinances and resolutions in the incoming council.

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