We all too often read the line, "An informed citizenry is an empowered citizenry and an empowered citizenry is what makes democracy work".

True enough, making strong our democracy, we need an empowered citizenry; building strong our republic, we need an informed citizenry to actively participate in the workings of the government.

The people, Kabankalanons, that is, in particular, need to be informed about the various programs and projects that are implemented by the City Government. For example, they need to know that a road network will be opened at Barangay Carol-an to link Kabankalan to the Municipality of Ayungon in Negros Oriental; that a cable car is being proposed to be installed at Sitio Kayutisan at Barangay Tagukon to bridge Kabankalan to the Municipality of Manjuyod in Negros Oriental; that the P 14.5 million bridge had been constructed over Sagumayon River at Barangay Bantayan for the so-called Kabankalan-Bayawan Friendship Highway; that the core shelter houses for the urban poor are now in place at Sitio Paraiso, Barangay One; that more than six thousand indigent families are now enrolled with the Philhealth by the City Government; among others.

Facts such as these must be made available to the people through the medium that is accessible to them.

KABANKALAN TODAY goes off the press to enhance the capability of the local government unit to keep the people abreast with the various developments that are taking place in the city. More than just a chronicle of events as they happen, it gives the people the opportunity to form a well-informed opinion surrounding certain issues that affect their lives.

In this issue, we are coming out with the year-end report of the city government under the leadership of Mayor Pedro P. Zayco, Jr., in close association with City Vice Mayor Raul C. Rivera and the city council.

It is a pro-active response to the basic norms of good governance - transparency and accountability; a commitment to public service!

Happy reading!