CM Pacquiao promises a trustworthy gov’t in first SOCA “We will strive to become a government that is trusted by the people, and a hardworking office that every General deserves.” This is the promise made by General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo-Pacquiao during her first State of the City Address delivered yesterday, August 18, 2023 at The World for Everyone Ministries International, Inc. During the momentous event, City Mayor Pacquiao delivered updates from the different offices under her administration along with plans of action for the betterment of the city as a whole. These plans include the procurement of additional equipment and keeping up-to-date advancements in medical technology for the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca City Hospital, and the establishment of additional hospital facilities with a budget of 100 million PHP from Senator Koko Pimentel. Distribution of financial assistance to those in need through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients Program (MAIPP) will also continue, and the release of 2,000 PHP worth of birthday incentives to senior citizens will also be fast-tracked. Aside from these, Mayor Pacquiao also publicized that a Mallengke will soon be established in the city, which will be made possible with the partnership of both public and private entities. The Mallengke is only one of the future plans of the Mayor in terms of infrastructure, which generally aims to improve the city’s tourism as well as the Sarangani-Gensan economic partnership. In terms of the peace and order of General Santos City as a whole, two new police stations were recently established during Mayor Pacquiao’s first year — Police Station 9 at Barangay Mabuhay and Police Station 10 at Barangay Calumpang. Focusing on matters of public safety as well, 12 new units of patrol cars and 12 new units of pick-up vehicles for rescue will soon be turned over to the different police stations in the city. The local chief executive also stressed the importance of delivering quality education to the students of General Santos, and with this, she has affirmed that 555 laptops and additional units of 55-inch smart television sets are now ready to be turned over to schools. For her achievement in terms of accomplished programs and activities, Mayor Pacquiao also took the time to thank the BOBSLOR Pacquiao Foundation, 1-PACMAN Partylist, Congressman Atty. Loreto B. Acharon, as well as members of the Senate who extended help to the Mayor. Along with her promise of a trustworthy administration, City Mayor Pacquiao also mentioned that she will not back down, saying, “Si LGP ay hindi po aatras sa anumang hamon, dahil sa gobyernong malinis, pag-unlad ay mabilis.” The State of the City Address was attended by the Mayor’s family, the officials, department heads, assistant department heads, and division chiefs of the local government unit, as well as officials from the different Barangays in the city and other government organizations. Also present were members of private sectors, stakeholders, and other non-government organizations. (CPIO/KAG/MBDG) Photo by Russell Delvo LGU GENSAN