THE city government, based on records of the treasurer’s office, has saved significant amounts from its cost-cutting measures thus far.

The measures include the 10% reduction in the cost of the consumption of electricity, water, and other utilities.

At presstime, since Oct. 16, it was learned that the city
administration has likewise fielded so called “civilian marshals” to secure city buildings like the Astrodome, Malimgas market and premises of City Hall instead of regular security guards.

An unofficial source said at two marshals per shift daily, the city saves some P3,000 monthly compared to what the city use to pay formal security service agencies.The marshals are paid from the city’s operations fund it was learned.

Data from the treasurer’s office revealed that as of August 31, the city government saved P244,189 from electric consumption and P30,000 from water consumption.

City treasurer Romelita Alcantara said the amount saved was due to the austerity measures currently being implemented to minimize operational expenses.

Mayor Alipio F. Fernandez, Jr. on August 24 issued a strong reminder to the market division to implement cost-cutting measures in the maintenance and operations of the Malimgas Public Market.

According to Lito Vallo, market supervisor IV, water consumption in the public market amounting to P539,098 was reduced to P238, 340, while the P3,016,516 amount of electric consumption has dropped to P2,722,327.

The mayor said that the savings were achieved through regulation of the use of the city’s electrical and water facilities.