CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — San Fernando’s city government will embark on massive infrastructure projects in an effort to make a smart, green, and disaster-resilient community.
Mayor Edwin Santiago on Thursday said various projects were discussed on Tuesday during the first Local Development Council meeting for 2018, envisioning the creation of a business-friendly and more livable city.
Santiago said making San Fernando a smart city is part of a broader government strategy to boost socio-economic development and promote the social well-being of the Fernandinos.
He said the city government, with the help of active public-private partners, is optimistic in realizing all these projects this year until early 2019.
“I enjoin all members of the council to help us create a better environment for our beloved Fernandinos through the implementation of these initiatives. We came up with these plans based on the needs of our city and our constituents,” he added.
Part of the planned projects is the construction of a civic center in Barangay San Isidro that will house a permanent evacuation center; senior citizens center; disaster risk reduction and management command center; Department of Education personnel training and sports complex; city government satellite offices; and a city park.
To immediately respond to crimes, accidents and emergency cases in the city, a command and control center is also set to be established, complete with a video management system; computer-aided dispatch system; cable for voice facilities to collaborate with the different respondent agencies; and light emitting diode (LED) boards to guide motorists on alternative routes in times of disasters, among others.
The mayor said the heritage district and market plaza, which are located downtown or the Poblacion area, will also be redeveloped to attract more tourists and spur economic growth.
Santiago said the local government will also prioritize the restoration of the San Fernando River, along with the construction and beautification of the Riverwalk.
“This would allow Fernandinos to spend time with nature while enjoying the scenic view of the historic river,” he added.
The city government has allotted some PHP140 million this year for the start of these future development projects. (Zorayda Tecson/PNA)
