CAPAS, TARLAC – The newly elected local officials of Capas formally began their new term with a call for legislative-executive alignment, anchored on continuity, fiscal discipline, and expansion of key services and infrastructure.
In his address during the inaugural session of the 12th Sangguniang Bayan, Capas Mayor Rosseler Rodriguez emphasized that the new term should build on a “functioning system,” citing robust financial standing, high-impact social programs, and ongoing infrastructure investments.
“Our people have spoken. They gave their mandate to us. It’s time to govern—and legislate—not just for compliance, but for consequence,” the mayor said.
He noted that the past three years yielded tangible results, particularly through initiatives such as BOOTS Friday, a free medical service program recognized by the Department of Health that served over 61,000 residents. He also cited the increase in social pensioners from 400 to 2,327, expansion of LGU scholars to 1,235, and nearly ₱22 million in cooperative and livelihood support through national government links.
The local government also achieved major financial and governance milestones, including:
Three-year operating surplus of ₱146 million, up from ₱31 million in the previous term;
Cash balance growth from ₱387 million to ₱461 million;
Unmodified audit opinion from the Commission on Audit—the highest possible rating;
Seal of Good Local Governance (2022–2024) and a Gawad Kalasag Award for disaster preparedness;
A jump from rank 432 to 112 in DTI’s Most Competitive Municipalities Index, earning Top 1 Most Improved Municipality in 2024.
ONGOING AND FUTURE PROJECTS
Major infrastructure is underway, including the Capas Medical Complex, the 94-bed expansion of ONC, and the Lyceum of Capas college building, which is fully funded locally. The Super Health Center in Sto. Rosario and facilities in Lawy, O’Donnell, Cristo Rey, and Kalangitan were either built or rehabilitated.
The governance agenda for 2025–2028 includes:
Education: Institutionalization of the Lyceum of Capas, funding for college aid, and cash incentives for academic achievers
Health: Expanded BOOTS Friday, creation of Botika ng Bayan under RA 11223, improved plantilla, and equipping of dialysis and blood bank facilities
Social Welfare & Agriculture: Increased budget for pensioners and livelihood programs
Environment: RA 9003 enforcement, barangay MRF compliance, updated anti-littering ordinance
Governance: Digitalization of services, streamlined transactions, and pursuit of cityhood
Infrastructure: Renovated public market, bypass roads, solar farms, Halal-certified slaughterhouse, and farmer trading posts
Labor & Employment: Industrial park development and construction of a tech-voc training center
SACRIFICE OVER CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS
In a symbolic fiscal policy move, Rodriguez also announced that he will relinquish ₱8 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Mayor in 2026. These will be reallocated to the social pension program and educational support.
“Sometimes, we don’t need to compromise, but we do need to sacrifice—for those who trusted us,” the mayor told colleagues.
He urged fellow elected officials to “follow the leader,” as Capas seeks to scale up—not repair—its systems.
“Governance does not move without legislation. Let us act not as separate branches, but as co-architects of public service.”