The new mayor of this capital city on Tuesday announced a transformative and comprehensive infrastructure program to address critical needs across various sectors, including public works, health, education, agriculture, transportation, tourism, water systems, and economic development.
Alfredo Garbin Jr. addressed residents here as he assumed his post, replacing disqualified mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal.
Rosal defeated Garbin in the May 2022 elections, but the Commission on Elections disqualified her in October 2022 for violating the Omnibus Election Code in connection with the disbursement of government funds during the prohibited period.
“We need to be responsive to the needs of our constituents, for the benefit of the people we govern. For the department heads, I expect you to perform your functions according to your mandate. Public service for the people we serve,” Garbin said during a press conference.
The new mayor said his agenda seeks to improve the quality of life for residents, foster economic growth, and establish Legazpi as a model city for sustainable urban development.
Some of Garbin’s priority projects are the construction of 77 new classrooms to expand educational facilities to accommodate the city’s growing student population, ensuring better access to quality education; completion of the international cruise ship terminal, enhancing tourism infrastructure to attract international visitors and bolster the local economy; completion of the People’s Park to create a recreational space for residents and tourists to gather, promoting community engagement and outdoor activities, and construction of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) centers to position Legazpi as a premier destination for business events, conventions, and exhibitions, supporting tourism and economic growth.
Garbin said the funds for the construction of big infrastructure projects such as the 25,000-seat stadium and the international cruise ship terminal will be sourced from the national government with the help of Ako Bicol party-list. (PNA)
