Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday recalled that during his birthday last year he wished for the construction of the government center project to start and he thanks God now because this had been realized.

During the celebration of his birthday yesterday at Palmas del Mar in Bacolod City, he again wished that the project will be completed before his next one and that it could already serve the people of Bacolod. Leonardia said he believes the government center will really improve the efficiency and effectivity of the delivery of services in the city.

He also said he prayed that he will continually be blessed with wisdom and guidance by the Lord Almighty and that the good relationship among the officials in his administration will be strengthened.

Leonardia said he believes that it is the legal obligation of the city government to make the city a better place to live in as it is also the moral obligation of the private sector to aim for the same target.

"I hope I will continue to have the support and cooperation of the city officials and employees who are the major factor in the realization of all our dreams for the city. May the people of Bacolod also continue to give me their trust and confidence," he said.

Leonardia said he is very conscious of his mandate from the people and since it was an overwhelming one, it is his moral obligation to live up to their expectations.

He said he believes that "to whomever much is given, much is expected," so he will do his best continuously, regularly and consistently, he said.

"A birthday is just a time to pause and reflect, but the real job is how we are able to meet the day-to-day needs and demands of our people," Leonardia said.

Before dawn yesterday, Leonardia was serenaded in a "mañanita" by his friends and supporters, many of whom had been doing this every year, even when he was not the mayor.

Leonardia also shared with some friends a message from his friend, Manny Pacquiao, saying "Pare happy birthday more to come God bless you and your family". The boxing icon has again requested Leonardia to hold his championship belt in his coming fight in October.

Meanwhile, Leonardia yesterday thanked all his friends, supporters and leaders, his family and those who organized his birthday celebration which started with a mass officiated by Fr. Narciso de la Cruz and Fr. Ernie Lareda.

He was told that his age (55) should remind him of the more than 55,000 votes he garnered over his nearest rival during the May elections. Leonardia earned 109,000 votes against those of former mayor Luzviminda Valdez's 54,377 votes.*CGS

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