BACOLOD City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here is urging the General Services Office (GSO) to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all city assets, including real properties, vehicles, and equipment, to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
In a recently approved resolution, Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, chair of the SP committee on government assets and author of the measure, called for a thorough inventory and valuation of Bacolod’s properties. The SP also requested the GSO, through the Office of the Mayor, to submit a consolidated report to the city council.
“Proper management and accounting of government properties are vital to good governance and fiscal responsibility. With a complete and updated inventory and valuation, we can safeguard Bacolod City’s assets, prevent misuse or loss, and identify properties that may be developed to generate revenue or public benefit,” Distrito said.
The resolution cites Sections 16 and 129 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which mandate local governments to exercise powers necessary for efficient governance and to maximize revenues through proper valuation and utilization of properties. It also aligns with Commission on Audit (COA) Circular Nos. 2020-006 and 2015-007, which require regular physical inventory and valuation of all government-owned assets.
Councilor Dindo Ramos, a co-author, underscored the measure’s importance for accountability and transparency.
“Bacolod must know exactly what it owns, where those assets are, and their current condition. Only then can we make sound decisions on how to use, maintain, or develop them for the people’s benefit,” Ramos said.
Councilor Celia Matea Flor echoed this, adding, “By mapping and valuing our city’s assets, we can better plan for infrastructure, social services, and economic development. This is about ensuring that every property and resource entrusted to the city truly works for the welfare of Bacolodnons.”
The resolution further pointed out that the absence of a current and unified inventory exposes the city to risks such as unaccounted properties, encroachment, illegal occupation, and loss of potential revenue.
The SP believes that a consolidated and updated inventory report will help Bacolod safeguard and maximize its resources in line with the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance./PN
