INCUMBENT Mayor Edwin Santiago successfully retained his position as head of the City of San Fernando after garnering the highest votes during the recently concluded midterm elections.

Santiago secured his third and last term as city mayor with winning votes of 74,125, defeating his closest rival, Association of Barangay Captains president Vilma Caluag, who only got some 51,974 votes.

Santiago expressed his gratitude to his constituents and stressed that good governance exists and will remain in the capital city for the brighter future of the Fernandinos.

“Masaya ako dahil ang taong-bayan ang nag-desisyon, sa pagpili ng anong klaseng pangongobyerno, o anong klaseng pamumuhay na gusto natin sa Syudad San Fernando. So ang ibig sabihin nito, ang taong-bayan ang nanalo, para makatatag ng isang mabuting pamamahala o ang tinatawag natin good governance,” Santiago said in an interview.

He also vowed to continue and strengthen his comprehensive programs, particularly education, health, peace and security, and environment.

“Gusto natin na ang Syudad San Fernando ay isang lungsod na pangunahin tayo when it comes to economic, social, at environment. Inumpisahan natin ng smart city, so tatapusin natin maging smart city ang Syudad San Fernando. Umaasa ang ating mga kababayan na tayong lahat ay magtatrabaho, para sa gusto natin na pamumuhay. Gusto natin na ang Syudad San Fernando ay isang syudad na maaari natin maipamana sa ating mga susunod na henerasyon,” he said.

Santiago’s running mate incumbent Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin was also proclaimed winner along with Councilors-elect BJ Lagman, Harvey Quiwa, Ato Agustin, Tino Dizon, Ariel Carreon, Cristina Lagman, Dein Henson, Nelson Lingat, Raul Macalino, and Reden Halili.

Meanwhile, Acting City Election Officer Leylann Manuel reported that the local elections in the city was generally peaceful from security up to canvassing, because of the active participation and support of different agencies.

“As compared to other provinces, cities, municipalities, mabilis yung pagkakuha natin [ng resulta ng halalan]. Kaya sa second day, nagawa natin itong proclamation. Talagang all-out support primarily, the local government unit of City of San Fernando sila ang mga tumulong sa atin para maging successful ang election na ito,” he said.