By Noy Adaram
Cagayan de Oro mayoral hopeful Jose Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña presented his platform for governance on September 4 during a meeting with journalists, as he finalized his third attempt to run for mayor again.
La Viña, running under the banner “Bag-ong Cagayan” (New Cagayan), emphasized environmental protection as a cornerstone of his campaign, posing the rhetorical question, “Unsaon ang kaugmaon kung guba ang kina-iyahan?” (What can we do in the future if nature is destroyed?).
Pompee La Viña lost to Mayor Oscar Moreno in his first attempt for the mayoralty post in 2019. In his second attempt he also lost to the incumbent Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy in 2021 local and national elections.
PLANS AND PROGRAMS
Education also plays a key role in La Viña’s platform, with a promise to continue producing the “best and brightest” students. Addressing city hall employees, he pledged to resolve delayed monthly compensations, expressing sympathy for workers struggling to make ends meet, especially those with children.
To tackle unemployment, La Viña proposed inviting employers and investors to the city to showcase job opportunities, should he be elected mayor. He also committed to eradicating crime through dialogue with state forces, firmly opposing the circulation of illegal drugs.
Infrastructure improvements, specifically flood control, were highlighted as urgent priorities. La Vina underscored the need for a comprehensive flood control plan, noting that many areas in the city are prone to flooding even with minimal rainfall due to clogged drainages. He acknowledged that there is “no one bullet solution” to this issue.
Regarding his political lineup, La Viña has yet to announce candidates for vice mayor and city council positions, stating that discussions are still ongoing. He assured that he will not align with any politician with a history of corruption.
Although La Viña remains open to collaborations with other political groups, he reiterated his loyalty to the PaDayon Pilipino (PDP) party, which he described as the “partylist of his heart” and his first entry into politics.
Concluding his presentation, La Viña posed a question for voters to ponder: “Kwarta? (Money?) Kausaban? (Change?)”. He also addressed the media, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, and asserted that he would not require a spokesperson unless absolutely necessary.
La Viña’s campaign centers on a vision for a better and more sustainable future for Cagayan de Oro, with a focus on environmental stewardship, improved education, and economic development through job creation and infrastructure enhancement.
