The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is now studying a resolution authorizing Mayor Dan Lim to proceed with the construction of the Cogon Public Market. The resolution, authored by Councilor Doni Piquero, has been referred to the committee of the whole for deliberation. Piquero said the development and rehabilitation of public markets in Tagbilaran is one of the concerns that needs to be addressed by the city government. The resolution noted that the implementation of the public market development program is one of the priorities of the city government which was in included in the Executive-Legislative Agenda for 2010-2013. According to Piquero, one of the closest allies of the mayor, the Cogon public market remains underdeveloped for a long time which the city government now plans to rehabilitate and develop.

The resolution said the construction of a new public market would spur economic growth and further boost business activities in the area which will generate income for the city government.  Piquero said it is necessary that Lim be authorized, in behalf of the city government, to proceed with the construction or rehabilitation of the Cogon Public Market in line with the program for the public market development. Cogon is the biggest barangay in Tagbilaran but it has toiled in the shadows of the more prominent barangays due to the backlog in its development. With the construction of the new public market that would be in step with the present demands and according to modern standards, development is expected to be distributed to include the Cogon growth area. The improvement of the public market in Cogon is significant because it had been Lim’s waterloo in many previous elections.

The tide has begun to turn, however, as the mayor’s efforts to reach even into the barangay’s smallest alleys started to bear fruit. Lim finally won convincingly in Cogon in last year’s elections even as his political ally, Barangay Captain Philip Besas was reelected in the October barangay elections. The completion of the public market is expected to cement Lim’s control of Cogon even though he is no longer seeking reelection. “Mayor Lim has done a lot for Cogon even though it has been largely responsible for his defeat in previous elections,” said a barangay councilor who declined to be identified. The councilor said the mayor’s insistence to include the development of the Cogon public market proves his sincerity to public service instead of political expediency.  “He has disregarded political considerations when he lobbied for the Cogon market because he believes that Cogon deserves to grow and develop,” he concluded. The move comes as Lim’s critics stepped up attacks on him as the calls for him to seek higher office continue to rise. Texters to his radio programs have committed support for his political plans whether he is running for governor or congressman. Lim has consistently declared that he is not concerned about negative opinions and adverse reactions but about vindication in the future.