The administration of Panglao Mayor Nila Paredes Montero and Vice-Mayor Pedro Fuertes has made big strides in addressing concerns on disaster preparedness and solid waste management as the town has just acquired a new firetruck courtesy of a donation from the Rotarians while the LGU has also turned over multi-cabs to all Panglao barangays for their garbage disposal. Montero, bullish on transforming the once sluggish island of Panglao, is slowly seeing her dreams coming true as the island town is now equipped with a new firetruck which bolsters disaster preparedness of the tourist-favorite island.

Even before elected mayor, Montero had been wishing that one day Panglao would have its own firetruck, the presence of which could significantly increase chances of saving lives and protecting of properties. The new firetruck, received by the LGU during a ceremonial turn-over attended by Canada's Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder, was donated by the Rotary World Help (Canada), Rotary District 3860, Rotary Club of Panglao, and Fil-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade. (for details about this noble donation, please see page B-10). Meanwhile, another priority project of the Montero-Fuertes administration is reengineering the island town's solid waste management program, which is essential in sustaining the tourism potentials of Panglao. When Montero was elected mayor last year, she embarked on massive “clean and green” programs of the town that “would reflect the beauty and grandeur of Panglao.”

Realizing that the previous administration has not properly addressed the garbage issue of the town, Mayor Montero, upon assumption of office, immediately convened stakeholders of the town and revolutionized the solid waste management program of Panglao. The town now has a well-organized waste segregation system which starts at the barangay level itself before the residual waste is being delivered at the Lourdes Dumpsite. Every barangay has its own Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to ensure that all kinds of thrash are handled properly. Yesterday, Mayor Montero and Vice-Mayor Fuertes further enhanced the town's solid waste management program by turning over 10 multicabs to 10 barangays of the town. The multicabs will be used by the barangays in managing their garbage according to the town's solid waste guideline. (for details of this project, please see Page B-23). Barely a year since elected lady mayor of Panglao, Montero has been widely praised for her innovative efforts in transforming the town so that it would realize its full potentials as the most favorite tourism destination in the Philippines.