TWO-TERMER Mayor Edwin Santiago of the City of San Fernando, together with the whole Team I Love San Fernando slate led by Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, on Wednesday, October 18, officially “re-applied” for their respective posts in a bid to sustain his programs for the Fernandinos.
With the endorsement of Vice-Governor Dennis Pineda and Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Santiago and Lazatin filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) at the city Commission on Elections.
In an interview after he filed his COC, Santiago said he aims to sustain the programs recognized by various government agencies and private organizations and stabilize the position of the city as the one of the top cities in the country.
Quoting the famous statement, “It takes a generation to change a culture” of Vladimir Lenin, Santiago stressed that quality programs must be sustained to ensure the stability of economic growth of one society.
“I started from a small dot and in six years, that dot grew with the programs and projects that we have implemented. And now, I need more time to make the dot grow bigger and hopefully cover the whole area and mark it for the future,” Santiago said.
If elected to serve a third and final term as mayor, Santiago said he would continue the programs he initiated that were recognized as excellent by different government agencies and private organizations through various awards.
These include programs on health, education, peace and order, agriculture, job employment, infrastructure, culture and tourism, environment, business friendliness, among others, which are all part of the administration’s 12-point agenda, Santiago said.
#LabanNingBalen
Meanwhile, Santiago also admitted that providing various sustainable programs for Fernandinos is not a one-man job and needs the support of people who have the same political will. It is, he said, #LabanNingBalen, or the fight of the whole community for progress.
In his five years of service, Santiago recognized the roles of his fellow government officials, from the national, provincial, city and barangays, as well as government employees in paving the way for a more developed San Fernando.
“Behind the awards that the city received over the years are the dedicated Sangguniang Panglunsod members led by Lazatin and our city government employees who equally worked hard and exerted efforts for the development of the city,” he said.
And as he seeks another chance for city governance, Santiago is still backed up by Lazatin and seven incumbent and re-electionist city councilors Ato Agustin, BJ Lagman, Tino Dizon, Ruping Dumlao, Reden Halili, Nelson Lingat, and Harvey Quiwa under the team “I love San Fernando” slate.
Also included in the slate are incumbent barangay chairmen Tina Lagman and Ariel Carreon in the city, and last termer Councilor Ayzel Macalino’s father, comebacking councilor Atty. Raul Macalino.
“Most of our councilors have known me for years, some of them were even my colleagues since I was vice-mayor of the city. And I am very much grateful to have earned their trust, confidence and support as I seek another fight for our city,” he said.
“I always say that it takes a village to raise a child, and these are my villages. These are my partners in nurturing the city and the Fernandino for a better tomorrow,” he added, referring to Lazatin and councilors under his slate.
Three-way battle
In the coming elections, Santiago will be challenged by two candidates — Association of Barangay Captains president Barangay Dolores chairperson Vilma Caluag and political newbie from Barangay Panipuan Conrado Galang.
Sought for reaction, Santiago said he is “happy that fellow Fernandinos are maximizing the opportunity to express their desire of providing public service to people and be part of the governance.”
He stressed that the filing of COCs of various individuals, including his slate, was a manifestation of freedom and democracy observed and enjoyed by Fernandinos.
“It will be a tight battle but I am happy that they are expressing their right to seek public office and I respect their decision,” he said.
Santiago said he is only asking one thing from his opponents: “Let us make this fight peaceful and a better one for our Fernandinos.”