CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — In a grand culmination of the capital city’s month-long cityhood anniversary celebrations, Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag, alongside the city’s youth honored Atty. Oscar “Oca” S. Rodriguez on Feb. 28 at the Heroes Hall here.
A youth forum highlighted Rodriguez’s “remarkable journey from a pivotal figure in the House of Representatives to a transformative leader as city mayor, embodying a legacy of unwavering dedication and visionary governance.”
Rodriguez’s tenure in the 11th Congress was marked by his instrumental role in the enactment of House Bill No. 6766 that led to the transformation of San Fernando from a municipality to a component city, through Republic Act 8990, setting a foundational stone for its developmental leap and progress.
Serving as city mayor from 2004 to 2013, Rodriguez’s leadership gained international acclaim, earning him the fourth spot among the world’s top local chief executives in the prestigious World City Mayor search.
His administration was renowned for its commitment to good governance, stellar leadership, and the execution of impactful initiatives geared towards empowering underprivileged students through education, generating employment opportunities, ensuring housing, providing comprehensive healthcare, and alleviating poverty.
These elevated San Fernando from a third-class city to a premier, first-class component city renowned for its business-friendly environment and high livability index.
Rodriguez’s profound commitment to the Fernandino community has imprinted an enduring legacy, consistently enriching the lives of its youth and broader citizenry.
Caluag, along with city multi-sectoral governance council director and culture and media pillar Sonia Soto and the future leaders of the City of San Fernando gave due recognition to “the monumental contributions of Atty. Oscar “Oca” S. Rodriguez, a true education advocate and the visionary founder of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.”
His exemplary leadership and notable achievements have not only heightened the city’s stature but have also motivated a new generation toward a commitment to public service and communal advancement, noted the mayor.
