Businessman Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro, president of BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp., a Clark Freeport locator, said “Tugade’s qualities and principles are appropriate in handling the big tasks at the Transpotion Department.”
In a published report, Alvaro also said “Tugade will be effective in clearing the DOTC of corrupt activities and personnel.”
Alvaro said Tugade “will make good there. DOTC is a big job and we need a big man like Atty. Art Tugade to match that need. We need somebody like him with great resolve. Also, I think he will be successful in weeding out shenanigans and recidivist in that department.”
In the same development, the Angeles City council also handed Tugade Resolution No. 7407 S. 2016 as a way of honoring him for “a job well done” as the former top CDC executive and for his dedicated support in this city in terms of promoting employment, education, infrastructure and engineering development.
The resolution was sponsored by Councilors Maricel Morales, Maximo Sangil, Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno, Amos Rivera, Edgardo Pamintuan Jr., Carmelo Lazatin Jr., and seconded by Councilors Danica Lacson, Jericho Aguas, Arvin Suller, Alexander Indiongco, and Carlito Ganzon. It was approved by Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting.
Interestingly, Councilor Maximo Sangil was the principal author of the resolution “expressing vehement opposition” to the Capillion project at the main gate to the Freeport which Tugade adamantly pushed.
Tugade was appointed by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte as the secretary of the Department of Transportation.
Tugade asked Angeleños to pray for him as he takes his service to the public in a larger scale.
“I only ask for one thing, prayer. I am just an ordinary person and I will need a lot of prayers as I make new projects for the Filipinos,” Tugade said.
Pamintuan, who said Tugade was lauded for his accomplishments as former president of CDC, presented him a plaque of commendation signifying the city’s appreciation “for his efforts and initiatives that propelled parallel development between the Clark Freeport and this city.”
“Art Tugade is not a Kapampangan and he did not come from here yet his heart truly belongs to Pampanga. He has extended help without having second thoughts to assist us in our projects aimed to benefit the people,” said Pamintuan.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of adjacent Mabalacat City also gave Tugade a resolution honoring him for his contribution to the city.
