With elections in the horizon, Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag is making a bold call to voters in the City of San Fernando to prioritize local loyalty in their candidate choices. She stresses the critical need to support aspirants who are genuinely rooted in the community, ensuring that every Fernandino is represented by leaders who are connected and understand their unique needs and aspirations.
Political pundits and observers in the capital city note that traditional voting patterns, influenced by social engineering in politics, are evolving. While established equations may still play a role, their effectiveness is waning. Voters are encouraged to value local ties and a genuine understanding of grassroots issues when making their electoral decisions.
Caluag claimed that her campaign underscores the importance of supporting candidates who reflect the authentic spirit of their constituents. She mentioned in her speech that her deep involvement in local governance—from her time as barangay captain and Liga ng Barangay president to her current role as mayor—gives her unique insight into the city’s needs. “My leadership is rooted in family, personal experience, friendship, relationships, and a hands-on approach that others simply cannot match,” she argued.
A lifelong Fernandino, Caluag positions herself as a candidate who understands the city’s pulse. She emphasized the significance of choosing a “fellow Fernandino” based on shared experiences and trust. “My extensive involvement in local governance, especially in serving Fernandinos, will bear me out. Ing San Fernando, karen yamung taga San Fernando! Aku ing Mayor, ima at drayber yupu patungu keng progresu. Fernandino ka, kayabe ka!” she asserted.
In her second State of the City Address (SOCA) on September 19, reelectionist Caluag delivered a powerful two-part speech, with a song intermission in between, reading via teleprompter and incorporating ad-libs in Capampangan to emphasize her significant accomplishments and the challenges facing her during her first term, including:
- Community-Based Monitoring System: Implemented to enhance data collection for improved government planning and program execution;
- Fiscal Management: Recognized by the Commission on Audit for revenue growth;
- Transparency Initiatives: Highlighted by the city’s ISO 9001:2025 recertification;
- Smart-Sustainable City Vision: Progress through various ICT projects and infrastructure improvements, including flood mitigation;
- Environmental Projects: Introduction of solar energy initiatives in barangays; and
- Education Advancements: Increased enrollment and expanded course offerings at the City College of San Fernando Pampanga, along with a shift to digital learning.
Caluag also underscored her family ties to San Fernando, showcasing her personal investment in the city’s future. “This isn’t just a campaign for political office; it’s about ensuring a brighter tomorrow for our children and grandchildren, who will continue to live in and contribute to the future of our beloved city,” she stressed.
Furthermore, Caluag appeals to Fernandino pride. She urges voters to back someone who shares their history, values, and vision for the city—someone who won’t just serve the city but will fight for it. In her view, an outsider lacks the same deep connection to the local culture and the unique challenges the city faces.
Addressing the challenges faced during her first term, Caluag accused her opponents of obstructing priority projects, such as the free dialysis center, tablets for students, the Fernandino People’s Hospital, and supplemental budgets for other programs and services, for their own agendas. ‘I hope there will be open forums and debates in the coming days to discuss accountability and financial responsibility; after all, that’s what transparency is all about,’ she suggested.
“My message is clear, this election is about selecting a leader who genuinely understands the needs of every Fernandino. We must rally behind public servants who have authentic connections to San Fernando. I may not be perfect, but we grow together and work together. From the bottom of my heart, I’m thankful to all city hall employess, please stand to be recognized. Dakal a dakal pung salamat!” Caluag concluded her speech.