By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo opf Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental announced that the town’s reclassification from a third-class to a second-class municipality will bring more programs and projects to benefit local residents.
The Department of Finance (DOF) elevated the town’s status based on its average regular income over the past three fiscal years, as stipulated in the agency’s reclassification guidelines.
Yulo shared the “blessings” during the Lights On Ceremony held Saturday.
She credited the accomplishment to the local business sector for trusting her administration and investing in the town.
With the new classification, Yulo said Moises Padilla will receive a higher National Tax Allocation, which will fund additional programs, projects, and improved delivery of basic services, particularly in upland communities.
The mayor also highlighted the town’s recognition as the only municipality in Negros Occidental cited by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its campaign against illegal drugs.
Moises Padilla, alongside the cities of Silay and Victorias, was a national awardee in the 2024 Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Audit.
Yulo added that the Municipal Health Infirmary was honored with several awards from the Provincial Health Office for its outstanding service.
During the ceremony, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and 5th District Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo informed the mayor that the property where the town’s main water source, Tikoy-Tikoy, is located now belongs to the Provincial Government.
The development ensures a stable water supply for 13 out of the town’s 15 barangays, which rely on the Tikoy-Tikoy source.
Yulo noted that disruptions caused by claims on the property, particularly by an individual named Elmo Nueva, would no longer occur.
Nueva had allegedly tampered with the facility, resulting in water interruptions, but was arrested and later released on bail after charges were filed.
The mayor assured residents that with the property now under the Provincial Government, water supply issues will be resolved permanently.
Yulo also expressed gratitude that Moises Padilla remained unaffected by ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption on Dec. 9, 2024, despite its proximity to the volcano.
The Lights On Ceremony at the Municipal Hall grounds and Magayon Park was led by Mayor Yulo, Representative Yulo, Governor Lacson, her husband Felix Matias Segundo Yulo, and other town officials.
Yulo said the park’s decorations, highlighted by illuminated butterflies, remind everyone to cherish life.
“Butterflies are known for their short lifespan,” she added.
