NE Article by LEX Tupas on Ending the Year Well

I am very happy that another ordinance that I authored/sponsored was passed on 2nd and final reading during the final plenary session of the Iloilo City Council before the year ended. This was the ordinance amending the amusement tax for pop, rock and other similar concerts as stipulated in the Iloilo City Local Tax Code. From a high of 30%, it has now been reduced to 5% for Filipino artists and 10% for foreign artists. The purpose of such ordinance is to make Iloilo City more attractive to concert organizers and for Iloilo City to be more competitive than other choice city destinations. Concerts do not only make the young and the young at heart enjoy but it also helps in attracting tourists, in adding jobs and in increasing locally generated economic activities. Thus, it makes the local economy more vibrant. This ordinance also is in support of Iloilo City becoming the festival capital of the country. As the youngest elected citywide official, I am thankful that my ordinance was supported by all my colleagues especially by the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Tourism. I hope that by next year we will see and feel a more lively local entertainment and tourism industry here in Iloilo City.

For all the organizers and artists, Iloilo City has become a more tourist and entertainment friendly City.

On another note, I am also very proud of my year ender special project, aside from the Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown 2, the 1st Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Awards for the young public elementary and high school achievers (1-3 years in service) and the senior public elementary and high school achievers (33 years and more). I together with Dep Ed Iloilo City Division awarded the most outstanding educators with emphasis on age and length of tenure. Teachers mold young minds and they help in developing the youth to become productive residents of our community. They are seen as the new heroes. It is but right to acknowledge those teachers who strive for excellence. An educator who works for quality education will produce quality graduates which will then become quality human resource of our city.

I was once a public school teacher of Iloilo National High School from year 2005-2007. I understand the concerns and issues that these so called second parents face and manage that is why I have a huge respect for excellent educators.

I am thankful of the teachers I had when I was a student and I also felt good to have been recognized well by the institution I worked for and the students I had. It inspired me to work harder. As such, the LEX Award aims not only to recognize excellent educators' achievements but would also serve as inspiration to all teachers that regardless of age and length of service, it is incumbent upon educators to give their students excellent education.

The passage of another ordinance and holding another successful project are the things I gave attention to aside from the other special projects, legislative measures, barangay events, school events, organization events, and Christmas events I had to attend to during the last month of year 2008.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.