By Erwin Beleo SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – For his third State of the City Address of Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto pre­sented the various accomplishments. The mayor bannered the city’s grow­ing income throughout the years. From an income of P150 million in 2014, the city’s income is now P778 million. SOCA 2019 – City Mayor Hermenegildo Dong Gualberto delivers his State of the City Address at People’s Park in San Fernando City, La Union in front from several residents and visitors Wednesday (Jan. 30, 2019). (ERWIN BELEO / MANILA BULLETIN) In particular, the city’s income from the taxes, fees, and charges, and eco­nomic enterprises rose by P74.6 million or 37.8 percent. Real property tax collec­tion has also increased significantly from P5.78 million in 2014 to P82.8 million in 2018 because of the implementation of the real property management system, first phase of the tax mapping operations, and digitization of real property tax map. Gualberto said one of the remarkable events that proved the city’s resiliency is the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong and Rosita. A number of churches, schools, and houses also opened their doors to fami­lies who were displaced the storms. Gualberto also boasted the immense improvement at the Engineered Sanitary Landfill (ESLF). It was built in 2015 and had a supposedly 25-year life span but due to issues in management, this was reduced to 10 years. In 2018, the city purchased additional equipment and built additional infra­structure to perform a full blast opera­tion of the City’s sanitary landfill. The mayor also introduced the newly launched plans and programs of last year, aimed to bring opportunities for growth to its citizens. One of the new programs launched last year was "Saringit," a community enterprise incubator which aims to im­prove the quality of life at the grassroots level through social entrepreneurship and livelihood training. In partnership with TESDA, 64 solo parents were pro­vided with free training on manicure and pedicure, traditional hilot, and hairdress­ing. 10 more parents also received free sewing training and a high speed sewing machine to help them kick start a busi­ness of their own. Last December, a Focus Group Dis­cussion for MSMEs was held in partner­ship with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic Development Authority, and Provincial Government of La Union. The mayor emphasized the importance of hearing the MSMEs out as they are the most knowledgeable about the challenges of running a business. The result of the discussion will be used in formulating the MSME Development Plan which aims to boost the City’s economic growth through socially and economically empowered citizens. Gualberto also highlighted his plans for the city, which include the completion of the City’s Negosyo Center; the estab­lishment of Business One Stop Shop; full implementation of the established bike lanes along Pennsylvania Avenue, and from the City Hall to Barangay Bac­sil; improvement of the ratio of health worker to population; development of the La Union Botanical Garden into an eco-tourism hub; and the completion of the south side of the People’s Park which shall feature a fitness area for senior citizens, and a newer, better, and more child-friendly playground. Mayor Gualberto also lined up the awards the city received in recognition of its relevant projects and programs. These awards include the Seal of Good Local Governance, Seal of Good Educa­tion Governance, Seal of Child-friendly Local Governance, and the Good Prac­tices of LGUs in the Implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act award.