THE THIRD CITY COUNCIL, 2007-2010

The Vigan City Council after two consecutive terms welcomes the members of the THIRD CITY COUNCIL. Composed mainly of re-electionists and returning councilors headed by yours truly as Presiding Officer, the new set of legislators can be considered as the "veterans" and the more experienced type. After undergoing three strategic planning-workshops under different occasions and mentors, the city council has set its focus on legislating to protect the heritage City of Vigan.

Legislating is not an easy task. It does not only entail in the mere passage of ordinances or resolutions. Lawmakers must see to it that these are translated into policies which are relevant and responsive to the needs of the people. Policies which will redound to the benefit of the general welfare. This is in accordance with its Mission:

To enact relevant ordinances and approve functional resolutions for the general welfare;

To appropriate funds for the effective management of the city government and development programs for community development of the city;

To review and approve the investment plan for the sustainable development of the city;

To ensure check and balance in both legislative and executive branches to enhance good governance;

To create a mechanism involving the civil society and the government to formulate necessary strategies to implement this mission.

As a policy-making body, the Vigan City Council is reponsible for the review and approval of the two most important pieces of legislation needed in effectively managing the city, the BUDGET AND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. These make lawmaking a really serious work. Local legislators as politicians have to engage each other in a healthy debate and have to consult the public through committe meetings and public hearings.

There are big challenges ahead for the Third City Council. It has to come up with a Comprehensive Conservation Code to protect not only the built heritage of the city but all other forms of heritage as well. The passage of the Environment Code, Tourism Code, Health and Sanitation Code, Public Safety and Order Code among others is envisioned to make Vigan a truly livable city. With the launching of its website (http://citycouncil.vigancity.gov.ph), the Third City Council is now bracing itself to become globally competitive.