"We have to concentrate on economics if we hope to serve our people well," Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday.

As soon as they are proclaimed, he said, he will immediately start his series of meetings aimed at further strengthening the structures in City Hall.

"I will now also work to get even wider and bigger participation from the private sector that will focus on our economy. After all we ran on a platform aimed at continuing the progress of Bacolod," he said.

Leonardia said he will do his best and always listen to the advice of other concerned people because, he has always believed in participatory management.

Because we had done things in the past that earned us the title from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the "Most Business-Friendly City", that will now become the benchmark of our economic development thrust, Leonardia said.

He said he started to talk with his financial people yesterday and they are going to work for a budget for 2008 that will be record-breaking, since they intend to hit the one billion mark. A budget like that should indicate a push for economic development and prosperity in Bacolod City, he added

Leonardia said that his political career and his having become a mayor is, for him, providential. He said it reminds of the biblical saying that "To whomever much is given, much is also expected."

This, he said, is what will further motivate him. "I did my best in my first term, I will try to do better than my best in my second term," he said. Leonardia said he will also continue the programs they have started, such as providing free miscellaneous and scholarships to students since education is a priority concern, the payment of the Emergency Cost of Living Allowance of the teachers, and the "Patubig sa Kapurukan project," among others.

The rationalization of our employees must also be a top priority because the needs and demands of our people are becoming more sophisticated, Leonardia said. We have to see to it that our employees keep in step with the growth and development of the city, he said.

Meanwhile, Leonardia said he thanked former Mayor Luzviminda Valdez for her statement that she will accept the decision of the Comelec which he believes will be a good start. On their part, they can now start to plan for the next administration.

He also thanked mayoralty candidate former Chief Supt. Vicente Ponteras because some of his watchers helped them since their group has no copy of the election returns.

Leonardia also thanked all the people of Bacolod City especially, he said, those who encouraged and supported him, and all those in the puroks and barangays who welcomed their group very warmly.

He also thanked former Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco for being the moving spirit of the Nationalist People's Coalition, and for being a source of inspiration to them, and Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon who has proven to be a very effective adviser to them, as well as, Gretchen Cojuangco, Rep. Freddie Marañon and former Salvador Benedicto mayor, Nemehias de la Cruz for inspiring them.

"Most of all, we thank God who is the reason why we are here and we promise not to disappoint Him and our people," Leonardia said.*CGS

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