“NAGDIRIWANG ako ng kaarawan hindi para magdaos o tumanggap ng magarbong okasyon. Ipinagdiriwang ko ito upang magpasalamat. Magpasalamat na, sa gitna ng pandemiya, ang Panginoon ay nasa puso natin, tayo ay magkakasama pa rin, at naibibigay natin ang pangangailangan ng kapwa natin.”

With a cheerful face, this was Mayor Edwin Santiago’s welcome message in front of his fellow public servants and sector members during the kick-off of the “Gift of Life” project of the City Government of San Fernando on June 21, 2021.

The project, held in consonance with Santiago’s birthday, included tree planting and bicycle distribution in San Fernando’s New Town Center Park in Barangay Calulut.

More than 200 pieces of assorted plants, including caballero, palm trees, and African tulips, were planted during the program, as part of the ongoing beautification of the New Town Center Park.

A total of 30 Fernandino sector members were also awarded with brand new bicycles and safety gears, in line with Santiago’s promotion of cycling for health and wellness.

According to Santiago, himself a farmer and biker, planting and biking are two of the most important things that Fernandinos need during this time of pandemic.

“Dalawa ang panawagan ng Covid-19 pandemic sa atin. Una, ang manatili sa bahay at magtanim sa ating bakuran upang magkaroon ng sariling pagkain. Ikalawa, ang palakasin ang ating katawan at bawasan ang polusyon sa pamamagitan ng pagbibisikleta,” he said.

He also urged Fernandinos to visit and utilize the new park where they can sit, eat, jog and ride bike.

Apart from these, the “Gift of Life” project also features the distribution of food vouchers to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and members of the local Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and social pension program.

The City Government likewise held a thanksgiving mass at the San Pedro Cutud Chapel. (PR)