Thus declared Tarlac City Mayor Ace Manalang during his State of the City Address (SOCA) held at the Aquino Center, San Miguel this city recently.
As early as April this year, Manalang had announced his intention to run for governor but most of his constituents did not believe it, saying he had to finish his last term as city mayor.
Manalang this time stressed that it’s high time for him to seek the gubernatorial post and extend to the rest of the province the services he is doing now in the city.
“After the Cojuangcos and the Yaps, now, it’s my turn. Na-realize ko po na hindi lamang Tarlac City ang dapat kong paglingkuran kundi pati na rin ang ibang bayan na napag-iwanan na ng progreso tulad ng Victoria at San Jose, ” Manalang pointed out, adding that the two municipalities did not resemble towns but villages.
In his SOCA, the mayor narrated his accomplishments during his second term including the beautification of the city, constructions and renovations of various establishments such as the public market, slaughterhouse, police station, health office and many more.
He said that during his term, the peace and order situation has been maintained, lawless elements’ activities were neutralized and criminals were put to jail.
In livelihood and job creation, the City Public Employment Service Office, through conducting job fairs and seminars, has provided sustainable livelihood and employment to thousands of beneficiaries making the city government a consistent recipient of citations and awards from various agencies and organizations.
Manalang disclosed that more projects are already lined-up and just waiting for appropriate funds such as the city hospital, convention center, beautification of Aquino Boulevard (Tarlac Riverside), procurement of land for city landfill in Barangay Armenia where all kinds of garbage will be converted into fuel, and many more projects that if he cannot accomplish due to time constraints will be continued by his son City Councilor Allan Manalang who will run for city mayor this coming 2016 elections.
“Kayang-kaya na po ng anak ko na ipagpatuloy ang aking nasimulan dahil hinog na rin siya sa karanasan sa paglilingkod bilang pangulo ng Association of Barangay Captain (ABC) ng syudad,” he added.
With him at the Capitol, Manalang said that he and his son Allan will work hand in hand for more changes and progress of this city.
“Marami nang nabubulok na establishment ang probinsya na nakakaapekto sa syudad dahil dito nakatayo at hindi naman natin mapakialaman dahil under ng probinsya!” he lamented.
Political analysts said Manalang has an edge over rivals due to his fluency in both Ilocano and Pampango, adding that he can also sing, dance and act because he was a former celebrity.
Though “the ultimate reason why Tarlaquenos will vote for him is his being humble and maka-masa.”
