Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said his election as national vice chairman of the League of Cities of the Philippines will give Bacolod a positional advantage over other cities.

Leonardia was elected Sunday as national vice chairman of the LCP with Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas as LCP national chairman, and Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin D.C. Abalos Jr. as national president. There were 120 mayors who participated in the election.

"For me this is not just a personal triumph, but more importantly, this will even enhance the image of Bacolod and will put it in the league of the more recognized cities," Leonardia said.

He said the LCP is a conduit of major funding agencies from the outside world, so projects and programs pass through it. He said because of Treñas' position, Iloilo was able to get assistance for its drainage program.

Leonardia thanked Treñas and Abalos for supporting and guiding him during the recent election, adding that during Abalos' term, Bacolod will host the Mayor's League one time for tourism and investment purposes.

A resolution congratulating Leonardia for being elected national vice chairman of the LCP was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday.

Authored by Councilor Catalino Alisbo, the resolution said the position of national vice chairman of the LCP is an affirmation and acknowledgement of Leonardia's leadership in the national level.

It said the Mayor's election as national vice chairman of the LCP is accepted by members in recognition of the significant growth of Bacolod which has been proclaimed as the "Most Business Friendly City in the Visayas."

Meanwhile, Leonardia said that during a dinner with the President Tuesday, there were talks about the barangay elections among members of the LCP and the League of Provinces. But the President did not give a categorical stand on the matter, he said, adding that he believes she will leave it to Congress.

Leonardia said they also discussed the viability of the Sangguniang Kabtaan election and that both issues drew varied opinions from the officials present.

He said whether the Barangay election pushes through or not it does not matter. All he is asking is that it be given definiteness, or finality, he said. Leonardia said "We ask that we be informed whether the Barangay election pushes through or not."*CGS

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