WITH a fresh mandate given by Fernandinos, re-elected Mayor Edwin Santiago is all set to lead the City of San Fernando into further progress, with programs slated to bring inclusive development to all sectors of the community.
During Monday's (July 1) oath-taking ceremony for elected city officials, Santiago bared the priority programs he will be implementing in line with his goal of making San Fernando one of the leading cities in the country.
“We have outstanding programs that are being implemented in the city which only needs to be sustained and if possible, further improved such as our ‘womb to tomb’ program wherein the city government assists every Fernandino before they are even born and until they’re taken to their final resting place,” Santiago said.
The “womb to tomb” concept of Santiago’s administration consolidate the programs for education, health services, peace and order, employment and livelihood, and other social services that are aimed at providing a better quality of life for Fernandinos.
In the next three years, Santiago said he will also focus on ensuring that the construction of a civic center, a town center and a public market, as well as the rehabilitation of the San Fernando River will be properly implemented.
The third-termer mayor also bared his plan of lighting up all major thoroughfares up to the barangay roads across the city as part of the goal of making San Fernando one of the safest cities in the country.
Meanwhile, Santiago urged his fellow elected officials, as well as barangay officials, to set aside politics and unite for the development of their home city.
“All my dreams for San Fernando will not possible if public officials will not be united. Politics is different from public service. Election is already over so I hope we can work together now and fulfill the mandate that is given to us by our beloved Fernandinos,” Santiago said.
He added: "One of the agenda of a great leader must be to unite his fellow and his people and I hope you can let me be a great leader in my own simple ways through your support and assistance."
Officials who also took the oath during the ceremony are third-termer Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, councilors BJ Lagman, Harvey Quiwa, Ato Agustin, Tino Dizon, Nelson Lingat, Reden Halili, Tina Lagman, Ariel Carreon, Dein Henson and Rolly Macalino.