ORMOC CITY Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez highlighted the importance of consistent effort – hardwork and teamwork – as she delivered her State of the City Address (SOCA) at the City’s Superdome on October 14, 2024.
“To put it simply, we put in the work daily. There are no shortcuts,” she said. The mayor expressed gratitude to all workers and employees of the city government for all of the laborious efforts that resulted in developments. “The most difficult part of the job is the actual work,” the mayor added. “To those who greet us good morning every day, process our permits, budgets, payrolls, and certifications, and keep our streets and water systems clean, I salute you and thank you,” she said.
According to the mayor, no job is ever too big or small, and we all need each other and must support one another. “We are a strong force of 3,993—perhaps imperfect but always determined, united by a singular vision of making Ormoc shine,” said Mayor Gomez. Moreover, she also thanked the Ormoc Development Team (ODT) and her team for embracing her vision. “Yes, I am an exacting boss. I expect much from you because much is also expected from me. Together, let us not disappoint,” she urged.
During her speech, she recalled her vision of the “Tree of Dreams,” where they have diligently sown the seeds of peace, health, social and physical infrastructure, economic prosperity, and sustainability. She also credits the city’s growth through the administration of former mayor, now Leyte 4th District Representative Richard I. Gomez. “We have grown. We are stronger. We are bigger,” she proudly said.
Mayor Gomez also highlighted in her speech her continued commitment to the city in making it beautiful. “I will make Ormoc City beautiful. That will be my life,” she said with a smile.
During the mayor’s SOCA, she reported the accomplishments of her administration as well as the 10 elected City Councilors and the two ex-officio members of the City Council who reported the achievements of their different committees through audiovisual presentations. Her top priorities include keeping up the support for road and public works projects that will improve accessibility across the city and spur its economic growth. According to the mayor, her administration yearns to ensure that development reaches even the most remote areas. The mayor also vowed to strengthen health care services as Ormoc will soon have its own city-run hospital, which according to her is being carefully planned because aside from the construction, it also needs a budget for operations. “We want a hospital that will provide excellent services where no patient should be turned away,” she said.
Furthermore, the mayor shared that the city will allocate PHP4.5 billion for Ormoc’s development projects in the upcoming year, which would include significant infrastructure improvements in 85 barangays. On the other hand, PHP2.7 billion was approved by the council, which will be used in maintaining social services projects. The 2025 budget was a 17.39 percent increase from last year’s PHP2.3 billion allocation. The city will also receive a PHP1.8 billion budget from pledges from senators and also funding from the budget of the office of Congressman Gomez. Mayor Gomez, who ends her first term in office in June 2025 is seeking reelection in the upcoming election. By Gwen Maurillo (EV Mail October 14-20, 2024 issue)
