“How I wish to see that Bacolod City continues its growth and development by leaps and bounds and that the future administrations and generations will continue to contribute to make the city among the premier and most progressive cities in the Philippines.”

This was what Mayor Evelio Leonardia wished for in his birthday yesterday, the 12th he has celebrated as local chief executive of Bacolod.

Leonardia recalled that every time he made a birthday wish, practically all of them came true, citing the Bacolod City College, the new slaughterhouse, relocation site, sanitary landfill, northbound terminal, and the government center, among others.

He wished that the structures he was able to establish during his incumbency, which helped the city’s progress and development, will be the major factors that will establish, strengthen and sustain Bacolod to progress, peace and prosperity, and hopefully, unity, Leonardia said.

He added the government center has become not just a workplace conducive for city government employees but has also proven to be an instrument that inspires investors’ confidence, and has been totally accepted by the people.

“I can say it has become the most photographed City Hall in the Philippines,” he said. “It has become a source of pride for the people of Bacolod”.

Leonardia said the best gift for him was the presence of his family, friends and relatives.

“It made me realize that one-fifth or 25 percent of my life had been spent as the mayor of Bacolod. It is a blessing and I feel that today is a day of thanksgiving for the gift of life, the gift of my family and all my friends,” he said.

Leonardia thanked the people of Bacolod for this honor and privilege and “That is why, the only way I can repay them is for me to continue to do my best in any way I can in the future, in whatever capacity. I would like to continue to serve my beloved city where I was born and was raised up.”

During the mass, Fr. Narciso de la Cruz prayed that the mayor would have the strength to claim victory in 2013.

Former Land Transportation Office-National Capital Region head Ricardo “Cano” Tan said he is endorsing Leonardia for congressman and wishes to see the Congressional Seal on the mayor’s cake next year.

Leonardia thanked Tan for his confidence and endorsement, saying that for him, that is part of the consultation process.

Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson said the best thing the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod had given the mayor all these years is their full support to his plans and programs, which saw the realization of all his priority projects.

Councilor Roberto Rojas said he hopes the visions and dreams of the mayor for Bacolod will come true since he has the support of the SP. He also wished the mayor good health and congratulated him for his plans for 2013.

Leonardia also thanked Sayson and the SP members for their support and cooperation.*CGS

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