“WE MAY not have done everything, and we may not be able to finish some of what we've started, but one thing's for sure, we did our very best.”
Thus said Mayor Edwin Santiago when asked how he will describe the performance of his administration during his three terms as mayor of the City of San Fernando.
His statement was made just after he delivered this year's State of the City Address on Monday morning, November 8, 2021, before fellow local government officials and employees, and some representatives from nongovernment organization and private sector at the Heroes Hall.
The said activity was also made hybrid as some audience witnessed the "Ulat Sa Bayan" via online conference.
In his report, Santiago presented the programs and projects implemented under his leadership, all of which were anchored on his 10-point agenda that included education, employment, environment, health, peace and order, infrastructure, government efficiency, agriculture, and tourism and promotions.
Also presented were the over 100 awards and citations received by the City Government during Santiago's leadership, among which are the numerous Most Outstanding Mayor Award, Seal of Good Local Governance, Gawad Kalasag, and Most Business-Friendly City.
Santiago cited the cooperation and coordination of his fellow public servants and Fernandinos on the successful implementation of the City Government's programs.
"Hindi ko ito magagawa kung wala ang tulong ng bawat isa sa city hall at ang suporta ng bawat isang Fernandino. Hindi ako nag-isa sa aking adbokasiya para sa mas maganda, maayos at maunlad na siyudad dahil kaisa ko ang mga Fernandino," he said.
During his speech, he expressed gratitude to City Council members, department heads and staff, barangay officials for their assistance and support to his administration.
He said the strong coordination between them is a testament that the City Government is working toward developing the city and its people through inclusive governance.
"Maraming salamat sa pagsama sa akin at sa aking administrasyon sa loob ng halos isang dekada," Santiago said.