By Nimfa Estrellado Lucena City Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Lucena City Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala, the city...
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| Lucena City Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Lucena City Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala, the city's youngest elected leader, defied expectations and embodied the adage "Work hard in silence, and let success be the noise." Despite initial doubts about his youth and perceived inexperience, Mayor Alcala quietly focused on delivering results.
In a comprehensive second State of the City Address (SOCA) delivered on July 31st, he unveiled a series of significant accomplishments achieved during his first term. The address highlighted the administration's commitment to improving the lives of Lucenahins through fiscal strengthening, economic recovery, and significant strides in social development.
Fiscal Strengthening and Economic Growth
Mayor Alcala began by emphasizing the local government's commitment to financial stability. The successful implementation of a Tax Amnesty Program, which encouraged delinquent taxpayers to settle their obligations with reduced penalties, resulted in a substantial increase in revenue collection. Additionally, the city intensified its efforts to collect business taxes and fees, leading to a significant boost in the local budget. The annual budget rose from 1.6 billion pesos in 2023 to 1.71 billion pesos in the current year, allowing the city to allocate more funds towards essential social welfare programs and infrastructure projects.
The city's Local Economic Enterprises also played a pivotal role in driving economic growth. The MERCATO LUCENA night market, established in 2023 as a vibrant hub for local vendors and entrepreneurs, quickly became a popular destination for both residents and tourists. The market not only generated substantial revenue for the city but also provided livelihood opportunities for countless micro-entrepreneurs, boosting the local economy. Furthermore, the upcoming inauguration of the Lucena City Convention Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to host large-scale events and conferences, is expected to further stimulate economic activity and attract investments to the city.
Lucena's economic progress was further validated by national recognition. The city was acknowledged as a top performer in the country by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) due to its business-friendly policies and robust economic indicators. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also declared Lucena as the fastest-growing economy in the region, with a remarkable GDP growth rate of 7.7% in 2022, highlighting the city's economic dynamism and potential.
Social Development and Community Welfare
Mayor Alcala underscored the importance of social development, highlighting investments in health, education, and social protection. The city's flagship health programs, such as MAMA (Movement Against Malnutrition), aimed at combating malnutrition among children and pregnant women, LIGTAS BUNTIS, which focused on providing comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care to mothers, and BOOMERANG, a program designed to support the well-being of senior citizens, garnered recognition for their positive impact on the health and welfare of the community.
The local government also prioritized education, allocating substantial funds to improve public schools and support the Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng Lucena (DLL), the city's premier educational institution. The DLL consistently produced top-performing graduates in national licensure examinations, demonstrating the city's commitment to providing quality education and nurturing future professionals.
Social protection initiatives included the re-establishment of the Lucena City Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI), an organization dedicated to empowering women through livelihood programs, skills training, and advocacy. The city also increased financial assistance to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, ensuring that vulnerable members of the community receive the support they need.
Housing and Urban Development
Mayor Alcala highlighted the progress made in providing affordable housing and improving urban infrastructure. The expansion of Don Victor Ville, a socialized housing project, provided decent and affordable housing units to hundreds of families. The Lucena City Tenement Housing Project, nearing completion, was set to provide additional housing units for low-income residents. Moreover, the LUCENA LANDING STRIP project, which allocated land to qualified beneficiaries, aimed to address the city's housing backlog and create sustainable communities.
Disaster Resilience and Community Preparedness
Mayor Alcala commended the city's disaster response efforts, particularly during Typhoon Aghon, which caused significant damage in the region. He emphasized the importance of community preparedness and highlighted the establishment of the Lucena City Emergency 911 system, a dedicated hotline for emergency situations. The city also implemented disaster preparedness campaigns, including drills and simulations, to educate residents on how to respond effectively during emergencies. Additionally, the local government distributed emergency kits containing essential supplies to vulnerable households, further strengthening the city's resilience to natural disasters.
Environmental Protection and Sustainability
In addition to the significant achievements mentioned above, Mayor Alcala also underscored the city's dedication to environmental protection and sustainability. He highlighted the implementation of the "Lucena Recycles" program, which involved the establishment of materials recovery facilities (MRFs) in barangays and the promotion of waste segregation and recycling practices among residents. The city also invested in the development of eco-parks, such as the Lucena Eco-Park and the Riverbanks Park, which not only provided recreational spaces but also served as green lungs for the city, mitigating the effects of pollution and promoting biodiversity.
Furthermore, the local government partnered with private companies to install solar panels on government buildings and streetlights, reducing the city's reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy. These initiatives not only contributed to a cleaner environment but also led to significant cost savings in electricity consumption.
Mayor Alcala concluded his address by reaffirming his commitment to inclusive and equitable development, ensuring that the benefits of progress are shared by all Lucenahins. He expressed confidence in Lucena's future and highlighted the importance of unity, collaboration, and continued hard work in achieving the city's vision for a prosperous, resilient, and sustainable community. The mayor's comprehensive and detailed report highlighted the administration's achievements and set the stage for further progress in the years to come.
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