STA. RITA, Pampanga — “Although change is often difficult, it gives hope and is necessary for personal growth and economic progress.”
Thus, Mayor Reynan Calo’s articulated the celebration of his first 100 days in office themed “Bayung Sta. Rita, Balen Ning Pag-asa” on Oct. 8.
A two-term councilor before elected mayor last May, Calo has established foundational good governance in his public life, earning the trust of his constituents.
His agenda for development anchored on the core issues of healthcare, livelihood, and education that deeply resonated among those he serves.
Healthcare
Caloguran Center, a portmanteau of his family name and love in Kapampangan, is a one-stop-shop offering free public healthcare services, burial and hospital assistance, guarantee letter and government-provided social assistance program to address essential needs of the Ritenians – how the townsfolk are called – most especially senior citizens, persons with disability, solo parents, and the indigent.
To date, some 2,400 individuals have availed of the center’s services.
Education
In collaboration with the Department of Education, the LGU is in continuing efforts to improve classroom conditions, while groundwork has been laid out for a municipal scholarship program to support deserving students.
“The Ritenian Educational Assistance Program (REAP) supported 2,569 college students without any cut-off, benefitting all qualified scholars,” the mayor said.
Emphasizing youth empowerment through sports, Calo led the opening of the Central Zone Athletic Meet 2025 at Sta. Rita College of Pampanga, where he reminded student-athletes that discipline and teamwork are the real medals worth earning.
New market
Calo announced the plan for the construction of a new public market with wet and dry sections, along with a modern slaughterhouse, transport hub and better location for ambulant vendors.
“It [modern public market] has always been my dream and I hope I will be able to achieve it within my three-year term to build it for Sta. Rita,” said the mayor.
Concluding his first 100-day report, Calo thanked his fellow public servants and constituents, turning a bit emotional when he publicly thanked his family and relatives for their unwavering support from the campaign period until now.
“I’ve been through a lot of hardships to reach this point, and there are times I wanted to give up but I was able to surpass everything through their steadfast support and they never left my side,” the mayor said.
