John M. Dalipe, registered as a mayoral candidate in Zamboanga City under the People’s Reform Party, is the son of former mayor Manuel Dalipe and brother of 2nd District Representative Manuel Jose Dalipe. He served as Chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan and then as Barangay Chairman of Tetuan until being elected to the city council in 2019. Dalipe is a registered nurse and a public servant with a lengthy record in government service. As a candidate, he shared his views on current issues and informed the public about his programs during the VALIENTE: Mayoral Candidates’ Forum.
Dalipe showed conviction in each of his stands by giving solutions to the key issues and ensuring the betterment of the city if he will be elected as the mayor. When asked why he should be elected as city mayor he stated, “With Mayor John Dalipe, the government’s money belongs to the people. Thus, it must be returned to them. This is the principle of Team Dalipe.” He added that past solutions do not need to be rehashed as these are not effective. Instead, new progressive ideas and a mayor who is brave enough to try them are needed. He assures that overpricing will not occur during his term by posting biddings on social media networks such as Facebook.
In the second part of the forum, he shared his plans to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis in Zamboanga City through sustainable development, and one of them is renewable energy like solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, and ocean energy. He said will invite investors to invest in the renewable energy plans and partner with a research institute to further explore more renewable energy in the city. He emphasized encouraging households and establishments to use renewable energy.
When asked about the proposals for City Hall and other offices to be transferred to Cabatangan in response to the problem of climate change, he said that it is already included in their master development plan and it was schemed by experts, including renowned Architect Felino Palafox, who planned some infrastructure projects in Dubai. Moreover, in response to one of the reactors stating the lack of management in the septic and drainage system in the city, he promised that as local chief executive and the chairman of the city peace and order council, these problems will not happen under his watch.
On the issue of assistance he can provide to the Indigenous community to expedite the claiming process of their ancestral domains, he reassured that he will closely coordinate with the NCIP or the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and uphold the rights and privileges, and protections of the IP. If the IPS will claim their ancestral domains, he will support it with due process.
Dalipe opposes increases in the price of water and basic commodities for constituents, explaining that if he is elected mayor, he will issue an ultimatum to the board of directors to reduce non-revenue water by 10% annually, hold water district officials accountable for mismanagement, and address other consumer issues.He does not support the conversion of other barangays into municipalities.
Given the high immunization rate and decreasing COVID-19 cases, Dalipe agreed that Zamboanga City is ready to conduct face-to-face classes. He also stated that he supports the establishment of night markets and the restoration of a dynamic nightlife in the city since there is a need to provide income and livelihood for those affected by the pandemic. He stated that the city must jumpstart and assist the business sectors bounce back. During the “Tanong ng Bayan” segment, Dalipe stressed plans for ambulatory vendors, saying “My heart is with you. I understand their current situation. Under my administration, I will prioritize your needs, and put in place programs that will help your sector.”
At the end of the forum Dalipe pledged, “With Mayor John Dalipe, Zamboanga City will develop and progress faster than any administration in the past.” He guarantees that change is coming and the best is yet to come.
This Forum Review is part of The BEACON’s series on local elections. The VALIENTE: Mayoral Candidatess Forum was held last April 9, 2022 at the Faustino W Saavedra Multi-Purpose Hall in the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Salvador Campus.
