OUTGOING three-termer City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago was named anew as one of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan (PLB) awardees in Central Luzon during the 2021 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
The PLB award forms part of CSC’s Honor Awards Program (HAP). The awards given out are the highest and most coveted recognition given by the government to individuals or group of individuals who have excelled or shown utmost dedication and commitment to public service, exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony.
These contributions include innovation, superior accomplishment, among others.
Santiago was commended for his development agenda anchored on “Fernandino First: Fernandino ing mumuna, Fernandino ing manimuna,” a concept for the pursuit of excellence as a way of life, which was pursued amid the raging Covid-19 pandemic.
These guide the City Government in planning and implementing programs and projects for Fernandinos who have been seeing continuous progress, more social services and empowered barangays.
With Santiago's stewardship, the city’s business climate has remained very favorable. San Fernando entered the hall of fame as the Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his administration.
His directive to attract investments that generate a high level of employment with no negative effects on the environment is reflected in programs like the Plastic Free Ordinance, full implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, establishment of Organic Trading Post, among others. He also implemented long-term solutions for social issues including programs that address the birth-to-retirement needs of the citizenry.
In a statement to SunStar Pampanga, Santiago said: “I am truly humbled to be given this award. If our work as public officials made people’s lives better then we have accomplished our sworn duties. I dedicate to all Fernandinos this recognition and and share this award with my fellow servants who keep on improving the government’s quality of service so that the public shall be served better,” he said. (JTD)