As the year is about to end, let's look back at some of the most talked about topics and forums in Lipa City Philippines' wall for 2015.
1. TRAFFIC
Traffic is still on top this year. As posted by one of LCP member, "Lipa is now an extension of EDSA". Traffic is always a sure hit in LCP since last year. More Lipa netizens are complaining as current driving time is longer especially if you will pass roads in Tambo, Sabang, Lipa Uptown, Marawoy and CM Recto. It was reported in local TV news that MMDA has been helping Lipa government and should have laid out their solution last Aug 31 2015.
2. TRICYCYLE DRIVERS AND FARES
"Non regulated" tricycle fares is still an issue and one of the most talked about posts in LCP. Most of the netizens are complaining for a taxi-rate like fare to some tricycles in Lipa regardless of distance. On the other hand, there are also tricycle drivers who were applauded in LCP like Mr Sonny Silva for initiating a fair tricycle matrix and another driver named Henry for returning a cellphone.
3. EXTENDED BLACKOUT
Negative reactions flooded LCP last Aug 31 when Lipa and nearby towns experienced extended blackout when BATELEC scheduled a power interruption last Aug 30 for 12 hours but extended to about 7 hours. BATELEC representative immediately apoligized due to failure of a substation in San Carlos where newly installed CT of ice plant exploded after 12 hours of tapping conductors and corrections of metering system and hotspot.
4. LIPA BECAME A LONE DISTRICT
Lipa officially became a lone district of Batangas last September according to amended Resolution of 9982 by COMELEC. Lipa City has been separated from 4th district and became 6th district solely for Lipa City. The bill for creation of new district in Batangas was originally intended for Batangas City but was amended by Sen Ralph Recto to include Lipa City. Lipa will have its first Representative in 2016 and 2 additional Councilors for a total of 12.
5. ENGR AISA MIJENO IN APEC
Engineer Aisa Mijeno who invented Sustainable Alternative Lighting or SALt (alternative light source that runs on saltwater) became instant celebrity when she shared stage with President Obama and Jack Ma of Alibaba in APEC Summit in Manila. Aside from SALt, Engr Mijeno is also working as professor in De La Salle Lipa and from baranggay Tambo.
6. ONE DREAM PROFIT SCHEME
In July for almost 2 weeks, LCP's wall was filled with different emotions and opinion about the alleged One Dream scam. Many were believed to have lost thousands to million pesos in a system profit scheme. Victims have filed legal action for one of the biggest news in Lipa for this year.
7. CLEANLINESS & GARBAGE COLLECTION
Photos of piles of garbage in the streets of Lipa were also posted several times in LCP and remains an ongoing issue that is yet to be resolved. A Councilor claimed that Lipa is paying millions of pesos for a third party collecting garbages in the City. Apparently there is still a blame game in Lipa's cleanliness among the residents who throws garbage in open areas, the third party process in collecting the garbage, and implementation of existing ordinace in garbage disposal.
8. COMMUNITY PARK REPAIR
It has been posted several times in LCP the awful situation of Community Park at present where equipments and facilities were broken and stinking. It can be noted that a progressive and pro family city should maintain a decent and beautiful parks.
9. CRIMES
Crimes happened this year continue to shock the community of Lipa which is known to be religious and family centered. Lipa OFWs are the most affected and emotional whenever they will read negative news posted in LCP about killings in Lipa. The most horrific news was the murder of 3 children in San Nicolas and a student who was hit by a stray bullet in shooting incident in Lipa Grand Terminal.
10. BADJAOS
Badjaos become annoying to some Lipa netizens when they posted about their experiences to these minorities. As posted, some Badjaos were spitting or pinching them if they will not give money. While other netizens stand on their right to live and look for a better location to raise their family. Netizens are still yet to know the plans of Lipa City Government for them and for the safety of Lipa residents.
11. UNFILTERED TAP WATER
LCP's wall has been pounded as well with multiple concerns on unclean water coming directly from the faucet. There were photos and videos posted on how a dark water as it flows from the faucet.
12. FILING OF CANDIDACY FOR 2016
With only 2 parties in Lipa battling for 2016 Elections, many are predicting that the next local elections will be a tough road for both parties. As expected, Mayor Sabili will run for his last term against the newbie Fiscal Gary Mendoza. Another exciting fight will be between Bernadette Sabili running for the 2nd time as Representative this time for the lone district of Lipa against the former 3-term Mayor of Lipa and now on her last term as Governor of Batangas, Vilma Santos-Recto.
Most of the candidates are either with current position in the City Government or have previously run but there are also few new faces who will try to snatch one of the 12 seats in the City Council.
13. STREET LIGHTS AND ROAD ACCIDENTS
Dim or no street lights are still an issue in major and baranggay streets of Lipa as posted by LCP. They are looking for either repair or replacement of existing street lights in Lipa to at least help in reducing the road accidents at night.
14. JEEPNEY DRIVERS
Complaints and negative feedbacks to some unprofessional jeepney drivers were also became trending topic in LCP this year. These drivers were reported to be running their vehicle like they were in a racing match. While there were some jeepney drivers who will pull you off in the middle of the street and will immediately run without caring if you have safely got off from the vehicle. Netizens are suggesting for a tight issuance of driver's license and for the City government to be consistent with street ordinances.
15. NEW SHOPS OPENED BRANCHES IN LIPA
Local and International restaurants sprouted like mushroom in Lipa City this year like Krispy Kreme, Burger King, Lady Christine Baby Back Ribs, Bagnetified, Domino's Pizza, Tornado Peri Peri Chicken, Taza Mia, Clyde's Bake Shop, Bon Chon, Cabalen and new branches of Starbucks, KFC, Tokyo Tokyo, Mc Donald's, Jollibee, Mang Inasal among others.
Among the Lipa local restaurants opened this year and are competing well in the market are Bimbim's, Casa del Barrio, Serenity Grill, Burger X, Clemente's Cuisine, Bodjok's Sisig, Basti's Flaming Burger, Black House, Fat Grill, BOODAP, Candlelight Cafe, Dreamland Cafe, SimpliCTea, Hayden's Pizza and Pasta, Colosos Giant Burger, Ardi's among others.
International brands and companies like Toyota, UniQlo, Oakley, Oppo, Samsung, Apple, Sony and The Results call center also opened this year while several commercial buildings were constructed to cater the growing demands for offices and spaces in Lipa City.
16. LCP's CITY RECOGNITION
In Summer of 2015, LCP was invited in Regular Session of Sangguniang Panglungsod to be given appreciation for its contribution specific to promoting Lipa as a better option for living and doing business. Lipa City Ph Creator and Administrator, Arven Bravo, was given a chance to speak in behalf of LCP about the top issues and concerns posted in LCP.
17. LIPA COMMUNITY HEROES
LCP was filled with multiples posts of lost and found cellphones, wallets and other important personal things that were returned immediately to the lucky owners. Indeed, Lipa is a home to honest and with good heart individuals. List of compiled name in Lipa Status.
18. LIPA ACHIEVERS
Lipa never ran out of good news this year as many brought honor and pride to our city. They were talented individuals who competed and won in regional, national and international competitions. Complete list can be found in Lipa Status.
We would like to thank all our highly engaged members who contributed stories of inspiration, love, triumph, hope, luck, and others. You made LCP to be consistently the most visited online group dedicated to Lipa City. We are praying for an improved Lipa in the next year to come.
