“Sa mga nalalabi po nating panahon, wala tayong ibang direksyon kung hindi palakasin ang mga programa ng bawat departamento. We still have time and we’ll use it to sustain the delivery of quality services to Fernandinos and the realization of our vision.”
This was the sole direction of City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago to the heads of the executive branch and other attached agencies as he gave his policy directions during the 3rd Executive Conference at the City Command and Control Center.
Now on his last term as city mayor, Santiago urged the department heads to continue and strengthen the programs and projects of their departments to help the local government recover quickly and start living in the “new normal” vis-à-vis the Covid-19 pandemic.
The mayor also examined the accomplishments and rolling programs of the five development clusters including the Social Development, Economic Development, Environmental Management, Physical/Infrastructure/Land Use Development, and the Institutional Development.
For the Social Development Cluster, the City Social Welfare and Development Office and City Health Office, along with other agencies, have been working hand-in-hand to provide the basic services to Fernandinos in terms of education and healthcare.
The Economic Development Cluster has been also rolling out livelihood programs, skills training, and entrepreneurial assistance to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) bounce back or start up their businesses and eventually reinvigorate the city’s economy.
Santiago also remains consistent with his vision for the City of San Fernando to be a model of countryside development.
The Environmental Management Cluster has been working hard to sustain and improve its waste management projects; strengthening programs on sustainable agriculture, backyard gardening; and digitalization of public transactions for a green, smart, and a sustainable City of San Fernando.
Furthermore, the Physical/Infrastructure/Land Use Development Cluster has already begun the reconstruction of the city’s old public market plaza. Alongside this rehabilitation is the construction of a permanent isolation facility, and the multi-purpose building at the City’s Civic Center.
The Institutional Development Cluster, on the other hand, continues to draft and plans programs, projects, and activities and provide support and incentives for the welfare of its employees and the improvement of local government services.
As of September 28, the City Treasurer’s Office has already collected P789 million which is 84% of the target local revenue collection.
Santiago commended the executive members for working hard and collaborating with other agencies to realize major projects and programs.
“Gusto natin every piece of resources na pinalaki natin ay babalik sa mga Fernandino in terms of delivery of basic services at mabigyan ng pag-asa ang susunod na henerasyon. A job well done for everyone. Bawat Fernandino, bawat barangay may mga partisipasyon sila at bawat departamento ay may kakayahan para maghatid ng serbisyo at payabungin ang mga programa,” Santiago remarked.
Joining Santiago in the blended executive conference were Vice Mayor Jimmy T. Lazatin, City Administrator Attorney Atlee Viray, cluster heads, department heads and other concerned agencies and members.