Published in the Negros Daily Bulletin newspaper on December 18, 2017

Two big events were simultaneously held at the City of Talisay on Dec. 14.

“Since Mayor Neil E. Lizares started office on July 1, 2016, the City Government has acquired a total of 17 new vehicles, 12 of which were blessed before the Lights On ceremony at the city public plaza,” a press release said.

“First was the Crew Cab 4x4 HINO Ranger Rescue Truck, only one of its kind in the province with state of the art features like HIAB Rear Mounted Knuckle Boom Crane, front and rear winch, equipped with 360” rotary telescopic light mast and search lights. It has been serving Talisay and its neighboring areas since its purchase on April 10, 2017,” the PR stated.

Also, a Garbage Compactor mounted on a truck of 4 cylinder, water cooled, 4 cycles, inline, OHC with automatic engine stop. The compacter had been rolling and sweeping garbage all over the city for weeks now. Another one is a fully-reconditioned Double Cab Rescue fire truck. A chemical Fire/Rescue Engine with multiple large compartments for a variety of rescue tools and equipment with a total tank capacity of 3000L.” it also said.

The PR added, “On December 12, Toyota Motors, Philippines Corp. turned over to the city represented by Mayor Lizares, 4 units brand new Toyota Grandia Passenger Vans which will be distributed to the different frontline offices of the city for a more effective, faster and efficient delivery of basic services to the people. Also in the blessing are 3 units ambulance, 2 units Hi-lux Pick up one for the CDRRMO and the other one for the PNP, I unit rescue vehicle used by the CDRRMO”.

SWITCH ON.

Second part of Thursday’s activities was the Community Lights On Ceremony, during which different business entities and stakeholders supported the activity by sponsoring to light a tree each at the city plaza. Talisaynons and spectators gathered to witness the countdown, got hold of the opportunity to pose with friends, family and loved ones under the beautifully lighted trees and a giant Christmas tree, enjoying the lovely fireworks display and listened to the soothing sound of the Cali Island Band until the wee hours of the Friday morning.

The December 14 activities by the city government were led by Mayor Lizares, together with Sangguniang Panlungsod Members RJ Tuvilla, Nicolai Jalandoni, Zenia Astorga, Randy Ereneta, Gab Villacin and Edmund Celiz, with the other city officials and employees was indeed a great success.*