(Mayor Esmie Pineda of Lubao, Pampanga during News@Hues media forum at Park Inn Hotel in Clark)
Showing true grit, dedication and service that runs in the family, neophyte Mayor Esmeralda “Esmie” Pineda has laid down plans and programs for Lubao.
Following the footsteps of her “Nanay Gov” (now Vice Governor Lilia Pineda), “Gov Delta” (Gov. Dennis Pineda) and sister Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab (2nd District Board Member) who all held the helm of the town on different periods, Mayor Esmie says topping her priorities are programs in health and education.
She announced this in the News@Hues, a monthly media conference of Pampanga Press Club at Park Inn Hotel by Radisson Clark.
“Tulad ng nasabi ko po noong campaign, priority po ang health and education. Ipagpapatuloy po natin ang nasimulan ni Nanay Gov sa health at titingnan ko po kung ano pa po ang aking maidadagdag,” Mayor Esmie said.
Noting the increased number of people with renal failures, she said that she is looking at extending more assistance to patients even as Gov. Dennis Pineda eyes putting up dialysis centers in Pampanga.
With barely two months into office, she is also preparing for the onset of storm season at the westernmost Pampanga town.
She said that Barangays Arbol, Remedios, Balantacan, Kalamayin, San Nicolas and Sta Monica are the “usual areas” prone to floods.
Her priority now are keeping access roads and pathways leading to schools passable during rainy season. She has also sought the help of Gov. Pineda and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Mikey Arroyo.
Lubao, which name comes from Spanish “lo bajo” meaning low-lying gets perrenial floods. It has 44 barangays.
Among her other programs now are anti-dengue operations as well as clearing national road (Sta. Cruz area) of illegal structures as ordered by President Duterte.
Aside from getting help from her family, she said she is grateful for the support of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who hails from Lubao.