BACOLOD CITY - Mayor Evelio Leonardia vowed to "surge forward" this city during the "last three minutes" of his term as Bacolod City chief executive during his inaugural last Saturday, in front of the new Bacolod City government center, with world-famous boxing champion and now Rep. Manny Pacquiao (Lone District, Saranggani) inducting him to office.
Western Visayas: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Iloilo International Airport
By "last three minutes," Leonardia meant his last three-year term as Bacolod City mayor. He was first voted in this post in 1995, then in 2004, re-elected in 2007 and again in the last May 10 elections.
He noted Bacolod's growth under his watch, making the city's annual income as his barometer of success. "In 2004, our income was only P650 million plus," he said. "Today, it has skyrocketed to over P1 billion."
Leonardia stressed that investors' confidence in the city has been reinforced with the establishment of Bacolod's new government center. Said center, a virtual architectural wonder recently adjudged the best of its kind in the country, was built at a cost of about P350 million. It stands on a five-hectare lot donated by the family of philanthropist Fernando F. Gonzaga.
Before administering Leonardia's oath of office, Pacquiao asked local folks to always wear a smile on their face to manifest gratitude for having a mayor "who is committed to excellence in public service."
The presence of a number of call centers in the city is an indication of a fast-growing and stable economy, said Leonardia, citing the more than 7,000 workers now employed by such firms in the city. "We are still growing," he said. "In 2004, there was not a single call center in the city."
Bacolod has also become a convention destination, as indicated by the healthy growth of the hotel and restaurant industry here. "We have 2,644 rooms now from 1,624 in 2004 to accommodate our visitors, both local and foreigners," Leonardia pointed out.
He also pointed to local construction activities which, the Bacolod City mayor said, is now a R1 billion industry annually.
Under his watch, Bacolod has been adjudged by several national agencies one of the most business-friendly cities in the country because of its business-friendly atmosphere. Leonardia also pointed out that the city, since 2004, has not changed its tax structure and is likewise "excellent," where peace and order is concerned.
Minutes before his induction, the new government center-cum- City Hall was inaugurated with Mrs. Gretchen Cojuangco among the major sponsors. Also there was Sen. Franklin Drilon who served as guest of honor and speaker during the mayor's induction into office.
"The new City Hall," Mayor Leonardia said, "is evidence of our dedication and determination to serve the people of Bacolod City who are worth fighting for."
Sen. Frank Drilon, who gained the most votes in Bacolod among the senatorial aspirants in the last elections, made a commitment to provide the city more assistance to compliment his earlier assistance to the city.
