Mayor Mel is the Official Father of Modern QC

This article is taken from ELINANDO B. CINCO's column in Manila Bulletin dated April 23, 2010. No copyrights infringement intended.

His progressive ideas still fueled by a sharp and creative mind – managerial ingredients of an immensely experienced administrator.

There is no mistaking that the developments that his successors implemented in and around the Capitol City are his initiatives.

So that in popular parlance, Mel Mathay is, incontrovertibly, the “Father of Modern Quezon City.”

Today he is asking Quezon City residents for their support as he is running again for mayor of the biggest metropolis in Metro Manila, as an independent candidate.

By sheer size (2.8 million residents), QC is so gigantic that only a well-rounded urban development-sharpened manager fits to be its mayor.

In an informal caucus in the house of Dodong and Terry Rosales at Valle Verde-1 recently, attended by the couple’s relatives and friends who are QC residents, Mel Mathay outlined his program of government for the city attuned to 21st century realities.

Hereunder is his agenda of administration (in concise form):

Public assistance services. Provide quick assistance in times of calamity and emergencies, with emphasis on disaster preparedness programs.

Human resources development. Institute anti-corruption measures in government practices; retrain City Hall personnel on moral and ethical standards.

Peace and order. Continue to assist the Central Police District in terms of equipment, communication and transport facilities.

Infrastructure. Build more and rehabilitate inter-neighborhood road networks; schools and health centers.

Environment. Improve waste disposal management; install waste operations facilities, including flood control.

Cultural development. Support performing arts in city schools, barangays and academic communities; establish a museum in cooperation with the University of the Philippines.

Sports and athletics. Update the Amoranto Stadium facilities for sports and athletics; expand the youth sports program.

* * *

JUST IN JEST. With four Garcias running for various elective positions, Bataanons have jestingly labeled them the “Ampatuans of Bataan.” This was related to us last week by retired Balita editor-in-chief Rod Salandanan who once served as Bataan provincial board member.

Not to be outdone are the five Belmontes in Quezon City, led by aging patriarch Sonny. Emersed in the hustings are a daughter for vice mayor, a son gunning for reelection as councilor, a nephew also eyeing a second term in the city council, another nephew angling for a congressional seat in the Second District.

For this wholesale effort, the Belmonte-Fives are known – tongue-in-cheek – as the “Pentagons”!

On the distaff side, sashaying through crowded meetings and caucuses are three inter-related Castelo girls, barely out of their teens; a Medalla girl, daughter of an incumbent councilor, all are giggling their way to the City Council.

Friends campaigning to victory. Two barangay chairmen in the Second District of Quezon City, whose terms are expiring, are casting their lot for council seats: Lito Bernardino and Rannie Ludovica. They are known for their zealous work in their respective barangay projects. Experienced LGU managers, and nice guys too.