CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- "We would like to thank the new mayor and the soon to be mayor again of the City of San Fernando next year for continuing our advocacies of development and good governance."
So said Pampanga Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez as he "anointed" and "endorsed" Mayor Edwin Santiago for re-election in the 2016 polls.
During the blessing and inauguration of the new pedestrian overpass along east Jose Abad Santos Avenue in this city last week, Rodriguez added in jest: "Hindi ka na dapat mabahala at kabahan niyan."
Rodriguez, last December in a gathering with media, categorically stated that he himself will seek re-election for the congressional seat and will not make a comeback or shoot anew--as rumored--at the mayoralty post he held for nine years.
"Aasahan natin sa darating pang panahon si Mayor EdSa para makumpleto ang transpormasyon ng siyudad and the continuing process of economic development and improvements in the city," said Rodriguez, a multi-awarded leader and world mayor during his term, where he pushed for the milestone Performance Governance System using the Balance Scorecard under his "Magsilbi Tamu" banner.
Santiago, for his part, told Sun.Star Pampanga that the "anointment" and "endorsement" of Rodriguez is a challenge to pursue higher goals for Fernandinos, as well as considering it a sign of trust from fellow public servants and partner stakeholders.
"It is challenge for me and our colleagues to carry on--and improve--what has been entrusted to us by the past administration of Congressman Rodriguez. It is our vow to continue what has been started for the greater good of Fernandinos," he said.
Under the Santiago administration bannered by the "Fernandino First" battlecry, the city was named Most Business Friendly City and Best Business Permit and Licensing System implementer this year, with Santiago himself being recognized as Most Outstanding Mayor by Superbrands Marketing International. (JTD)