CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – This city’s success story in the field of good governance translating to progress and prosperity in his three terms as mayor is what Rep. Oscar S. Rodriguez vowed to bring to the third district of Pampanga.
“Ang ikatlong distrito, at maging ang buong lalawigan ng Pampanga, ay maari nating gawing isang mas malawak na (we can make the third district, even the whole of Pampanga, as a wider) Habitat of Human Excellence,” Rodriguez said, referencing the City of San Fernando’s vision under his administration, of “excellent citizens, excellent city administration, excellent skills and accomplishments.”
Among his visions for the third district is the strengthening of the agriculture base in Sta. Ana, Arayat and Mexico; tourism development in the city and in Mexico; and the full rehabilitation of Bacolor from the ravages of the Mount Pinatubo eruptions.
In his valedictory address, Rodriguez also expressed confidence his successor will continue what he started:
“Malaki ang aking tiwala na sa pagtatapos ng aking termino ay tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang pag-unlad sa Syudad San Fernando. Ang ating bagong alkalde, si Mayor Edwin “Edsa” Santiago at ang buong puwersa ng sangguniang panlungsod at ng city administration ay buo ang kakayahan, malalim ang dedikasyon, at maliwanag ang kanilang nagkakaisang pananaw para sa isang maunlad na San Fernando (I have the greatest trust in Mayor Santiago, the city council and the city administration, possessing the full capability, strong dedication and bright, collective vision toward a progressive San Fernando).”
For his part, Santiago paid tribute to his predecessor for the progress he brought to the city and vowed not only to continue but also to nurture what Rodriguez started: “ Ang inyong itinanim ay aking aalagaan at palalaguin pa.”
In what could be a new work ethic at the local government of San Fernando, Santiago enjoined the employees to “make work in the city hall more enjoyable to the point (where we can say) ‘There is more fun at work in the city hall.’”
Cautioning though: “This should not mean that we should take work for granted, but that we so love our work that we exert our best effort and find happiness in doing so.”
For incoming Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, it is “simplicity” in the delivery of services to the city constituency.
“As in the mathematical equation, The shortest distance from (point) A to (point) B Is a straight line,” Lazatin said, referring to direct, uncomplicated access of the people to the city government.
Along with the incoming members of the city council, Rodriguez, Santiago and Lazatin were sworn into office by Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Edgar Chua at the Heroes Hall witnessed by their families and the business, civic, and academic sectors.
