CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Representatives of various multi-sectoral groups vowed Thursday to continuously support the City Government's moves and calls for good governance.
During the multi-sectoral assembly at Plaza Vidal de Arrozal of City Hall that highlighted the celebration of Kaganapan 2010 (9th Cityhood Charter Anniversary), groups from the business, education, transport, youth, Muslim, homeowners, women's, farmers, and the urban poor sectors all pledged their support to the City Government toward its vision and mission of a Habitat of Human Excellence and a Global Gateway by 2020 and 2030.
The sectors share as partners for growth and development embodied in the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council (MSGC).
The Association of Barangay Kagawads and Association of Barangay Captains, similarly professed to sustain the MSGC's thrusts as front liners.
Paraded and presented to the hundreds of MSGC representatives were 17 awards and citations "reaped" by their concerted efforts in 2009 and early 2010. These include the Galing Pook plaque, best in issuance of mayor's permits, peace and order, environment, first regional Citizen's Charter, The Institute of Solidarity in Asia Maharlika hall of fame, Performance Governance System, back-to-back Best Regional Public Employment Office awards, Most Business Friendly city, Clean and Green and Regional Best City Council, among others.
"Rest assured the banking sector will be behind the City Government always. And thank you for leading us and the city to progress," said Jorge Galang of San Fernando Bankers' Association.
City Parents-Teachers Association president and councilor bet Jun Lutero said: "We will continue to support the city as we journey together in the future."
Youth City Councilor Mary Heliane Fabian called it a patriotic day as she said the youth sector was gratified for being part of the city's good governance efforts.
Most of the representatives who aired their sentiments were one in thanking the City Government as they vowed to continue everything that has been rolled out by the MSGC and officials of the city led by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez.
For his part, Rodriguez said the partnership with the private sector has always been their inspiration in good governance and in attaining the city's vision and mission.
"Yes we can. We can dream and achieve it. Because of our partnership with you, nagkaroon tayo ng bagong pag-asa and addressed the need for change. Kayo ang inspirasyon at diwa ng ating pagsisilbi and in our efforts to raise the quality of life of the Fernandinos. We will continue to invest, educate and put the necessary infrastructure in place, from birth to death of Fernandinos, as a sign of our seriousness to serve you all," said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez narrated the beginnings of cityhood here, which he said took place in the midst of the impeachment case against then President Joseph Estrada where the mayor was part of prosecution panel.
"It has been a long journey and we are just beginning. We came here with negative coffers but as of January this year, we have about P400 million surplus in our coffers. Our major projects have begun and we mean to finish this, like Sagip Ilog by 2011. It is still a long journey and I hope you will be with us," he said.
Rodriguez told Sun.Star Pampanga that as the MSGC and the City Government move towards another multi-dimensional approach this year on plans and programs, the goal will be to have them institutionalized.
"Hindi pa ganap ang ating adhikain at partial pa lang ito. What we would do is to have all of these institutionalized para kung sino man ang papalit sa atin ay ensured ang continuity ng mga projects at programs natin for our beloved Fernandinos," he said.