The remaining months of Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte will be devoted to economic programs.

City council majority leader, Ariel Inton, said ordinances have been lined up to cushion the effect of the global financial crunch.

“In 2009, we will dedicate ourselves to approving bills on employment, livelihood, social services and other measures that will secure the future of our residents even after the end of our terms,” he told Standard Today.

One measure, he said, is to encourage businesses to cut costs and expenses with the view to help prevent retrenchment of workers.

“People at these times need jobs. The situation will worsen if unemployment soars. Therefore, what we want to tell businessmen is for them to instead be more prudent. Money would be saved from saving on energy, water and by doing away with unnecessary business activities.”

Belmonte is bowing out of office in May next year with the completion of his three consecutive terms. Inton is among those eyeing the post along with the present vice mayor, Herbert Bautista, and Rep. Annie Rosa Susano. Joel M. Sy Egco