By Mae Singuay

The members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed a resolution requesting Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez to create a committee on land banking.

The committee will identify, evaluate and recommend for possible acquisition of real properties for future use of the city government, part of the resolution read.

City councilor Al Victor Espino, author of the resolution, said the city government is in need of expanding its powers under the local government code in order to better serve its constituents and to effectively deliver basic services to its people.

He added that the authority of the local government unit to make innovative approach in the exercise of its mandate is necessary in the present time and must be proactive in addressing the concerns besetting the city.

The councilor also cited that the city government faces a daunting task of identifying parcels of land for acquisition of the city for possible additional road network to address traffic congestion, site for housing projects of the city, area for the transport terminal, and for other proprietary functions of the city government.

“The better way to guide and assist the city government in this regard is the formation of a committee,” Espino said./MS, WDJ