16/01/2025
EDITORIAL!
A PROVEN LEADER FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW
As the new year unfolds, Pagadian City stands as a beacon of progress and hope in the region, a testament to the transformative leadership of Mayor Sammy Co. Under his stewardship, the city has achieved milestones that were once aspirations, earning recognition and admiration on both regional and national levels. It is in light of these remarkable accomplishments that we urge the residents of Pagadian City to rally behind Mayor Co and support his bid for reelection in the upcoming May 12 elections.
Mayor Co’s track record speaks volumes about his commitment to the city’s development and the well-being of its citizens. The achievements of 2024 alone—being ranked the 40th wealthiest city in the Philippines, the top richest component city in Visayas and Mindanao in terms of assets, and among the top three in local revenue—are no small feats. These accolades highlight the administration’s dedication to sound fiscal management and strategic planning. The city’s designation as the regional government center in Region 9 and its recognition as a champion for urban poor programs further underscore Mayor Co’s holistic approach to governance.
But perhaps what truly sets Mayor Co apart is his ability to inspire unity and shared purpose among Pagadian’s citizens. His vision for inclusive growth, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure development has resonated deeply within the community, fostering a collective sense of ownership in the city’s success. The city’s achievement of one of the lowest poverty incidences among component cities in Mindanao reflects the tangible impact of these efforts on the lives of ordinary Pagadianons.
Looking to the future, Mayor Co’s aspirations for Pagadian are both ambitious and inspiring. He envisions the city not only maintaining its position as a rising economic hub but also achieving the coveted status of a highly urbanized city—a distinction that would unlock even greater opportunities for its people. His plans to sustain and build on the progress made during his current term are crucial to ensuring that the momentum is not lost. This is why extending his leadership for another term is not just a matter of continuity but a necessity for Pagadian City’s continued growth.
The upcoming elections will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for Pagadian. Mayor Co faces a formidable opponent Governor Victor Yu, and the choice before the electorate is clear: to entrust the city’s future to a proven leader who has delivered results or to risk derailing the progress achieved under his administration. The stakes could not be higher.
As Pagadianons, we must ask ourselves: Do we want to see our city’s upward trajectory sustained and accelerated, or are we willing to gamble with the gains we have worked so hard to achieve? The answer lies in unity and a shared commitment to the vision that Mayor Co has so effectively championed.
We, therefore, call on all residents of Pagadian City to stand behind Mayor Sammy Co in this crucial juncture. His leadership has brought us this far, and his vision promises an even brighter future. Let us ensure that Pagadian’s story of progress and innovation continues by giving Mayor Co the mandate to lead us into a new era of success and prosperity.
Together, as One Pagadian, let us make the choice for progress, for unity, and for a future that we can all be proud of. The journey continues, and with Mayor Co at the helm, the best is yet to come.* Charnyl Albarracin
