PLAY the trumpets. Bang the drums. We are to proclaim the winner of the San Fernando mayoralty contest. Make way for Edwin “EdSa” Santiago.
We believe in the leadership of EdSa. First elected as mayor in 2013, EdSa proved his mettle right on the first bat. He inherited a bankrupt coffers yet he managed to deliver basic services. By the end of his first term, nobody dared to challenge his rein for the second term that he ran unopposed in 2016.
2019 proved to be a challenge. For reasons of their own, former mayors Reynaldo B. Aquino and Oscar S. Rodriguez openly endorsed his rival. It was as if EdSa was ranged against three opponents who collectively tried to unseat him. He won by a landslide, gaining 73,767 votes against his rival who got 51,974.
This is a rare feat. It is doubly hard to maintain the trust of the electorate especially if you are not rich. The incessant need to make your constituents happy is the waterloo of good-natured first-timers like Governor Ed Panlilio. EdSa maintained his grip over his leaders and supporters.
He has changed. He has changed for the better. Whereas before he was uncomfortable in public speaking, EdSa has progressed by leaps and bounds. Now, you can discern that he enjoys communicating his thoughts thru the microphone.
He has not changed. He has remained humble. He is approachable. He calls you by name. He knows every voter in San Fernando. He knows persons whose principles cannot be bought. He knows also the persons who go for the glitter of gold.
He has demonstrated a high caliber of leadership that makes the City of San Fernando perform a crucial role in the progress of Central Luzon. He has received awards left and right. “Awards are only an affirmation that we are doing our job right,” he smiles.
We thank San Fernando for voting wisely. We thank EdSa for leading us for another three years. San Fernando ing mumuna. San Fernando yang manimuna.