Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa presented the local government’s current and proposed projects and initiatives in a press conference attended by several student publications at the Lipa City Hall, Aug. 29.
The discussion outlined the preliminary plans that would address community issues, with emphasis on the city’s traffic, healthcare, and tourism.
Decongesting traffic in Lipa
Africa explained plans for the traffic situation in Lipa, noting that there had been a significant backlog in the building of new roads when his term as mayor started with more than nine years without any up-to-date roadways. He further said that the congestion of cars is inevitable in every place, which is why he plans on widening the roads available in Lipa.
He mentioned that there are ongoing construction of roads from Marawoy to Villa de Lipa 1, Kayumanggi to Malagonlong, Marawoy to Sabang, Bulacnin to Tangway access road, Manila to Batangas to Bugtong interchange, Manila-Batangas bypass road (Phase 3), and Lipa to Mataas na Kahoy.
“Gawa lang tayo nang gawa ng additional roads para makasabay tayo sa additional vehicles na pinu-purchase ng ating mga taga-Lipa, plus ‘yung mga pumupunta sa ating bayan,” said Africa.
Construction of roads will also start from STAR Tollway to Lumbang, while there are ongoing proposals of building roadways from Pinagkawitan to Tipacan to Barangay Sto. Toribio.
Africa also placed importance on opening roads to lessen the traffic along De La Salle Lipa (DLSL).
“Tanguay papuntang Mataas na Kahoy, ‘yun naman para yung traffic sa may La Salle maiwasan natin dahil yung mga taga Mataas na Kahoy, pwedeng hindi na sila dumaan ng Banay-banay, Tambo, La Salle area, pwedeng dumaan na lang sila sa bypass road,” Africa said.
Launching Lipa’s new medical systems
For public healthcare, Africa mentioned that there will be additional super health centers in Mataas na Lupa, Antipolo Del Norte, and Marawoy that will be fully equipped with medical resources, machines, and personnel.
“Four hospital facilities will also be introduced, as Africa explained that each hospital system will specialize in certain health conditions, all of which are planned to open this year. He further clarified that the local government will be responsible for financially supporting all aspects of the hospitals’ general operation, including labor costs and equipment investments.
“Lipa City Hospital System 1, geriatrics, medical, and surgery hospital. System 2, pediatrics and ob-gyn, ito yung hospital na mina-manage ng provincial government ng Batangas […]. Lipa City Hospital System 3, renal, dialysis, and other specialty centers. At ang Lipa City Hospital System 4, diagnostics, laboratory, and industrial hospital,” said Africa.
Aside from these medical institutions, he also presented the Lipa family health card, which the general public can use in case of medical emergencies or financial difficulties as it guarantees the necessary care and assistance that they need from the facility and the local government.
Encouraging tourism in Lipa
Africa also emphasized that Lipa’s tourism sector will also be given focus with the new slogan #EatPrayLoveLipa, which centers around the goal of fostering tourism in the city.
“Ang Lipa City ay nasa gitna ng Batangas province at heart ng CALABARZON, maganda ang ating weather, conducive para mag kapeng barako. Narito yung masasarap na foods, almost all international and local cuisines mayroon tayo. At ang number one nating ‘come on’ ay ang mga tao,” said Africa.
With aims to strengthen economic growth, programs will be focused on promoting food, government centers, medical tourism, educational centers, and meetings, incentives, corporate, and events (MICE). Moreover, Africa is set to encourage more government agencies to place satellite regional offices in the city.
***
Africa also mentioned other ongoing projects which include the construction of the new Lipa City Hall in Barangay Bulacnin, Lipa family park, senior citizens and LGBTQ+ home care, Lipeño apartment type cemetery, and a permanent evacuation center meant for calamities.
Article by Sofia Cadelino and Jannaya Barrion
