SOCA 2013: Abalos reports P111.45B investments, 35 giant locators, Presidential Award

Standing  proud  before thousands of  employees, officials and guests, Mandaluyong  City Mayor Benhur Abalos  today delivered  his  State-of-the-City Address (SOCA)  highlighting  P111.45 billion investments , a Presidential  award, and a long list of accomplished  pro-people projects for  2012.

The huge amount  represents  the total  worth of   investments  from 35  giant companies in the city since 2010. Twelve  prime locators ranging from land developers, call centers, telecommunications and multinational companies  poured in P20 billion worth of investments in the city in last year alone.

“Despite its size, being the second smallest city in the metropolis, Mandaluyong is experiencing waves of development  and continues to gain big revenues. The phenomenal growth is attributed to the confidence of  the business sector   and of course, the support  of  our people  in the local leadership,” stressed Abalos.

He explained, “ But progress  is not  just defined  by  hefty  sum  in the city’s coffers. More importantly,  it is measured  by  the basic services rendered  to uplift  the lives of the common people. It is about creating an ideal place to live and do business in,”  Abalos explained.

On top of related programs on education, health,  environment and peace and order,  the mayor showcase  infrastructure projects in the city’s 27 barangays including  roads and drainage improvements, multi-purpose halls, health and day care centers, basketball courts and sports  complex and streetlighting activities.

Abalos  identified  his so-called  monumental projects  including  the Garden of Life Park, a one-stop-Cemetery-Columbarium-Chapel for  the public, the Project TEACH for  the benefit of children with handicap and autism.

By showing utmost concern especially  in promoting the welfare of young people, Mandaluyong has won the Presidential Award  as “Most  Child-Friendly City in the Philippines”  (Highly Urbanized City Category).

In his report, the mayor likewise thanked  the City Hall workforce and the Council for their full cooperation to ensure the success of  the implementation of  his vision for Mandaluyong.

“Mandaluyong is not dependent on Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), which means that  our own revenue generating resources are enough to make us entirely independent. With this, the city has been able  to successfully implement  the salary standardization of employees in full circle ” This year’s SOCA of  the mayor  is part of  the  two-weeklong activities lined-up in observance of the 68^th Liberation Day  and 19^th Cityhood Anniversary of  Mandaluyong on February 9.