METRO MATTERS

By Mayor Francis Zamora

The recent filing of Certificates of Candidacy, from Oct. 1 to 8, for the forthcoming synchronized National and Local Elections 2025, holds a record of more than 43,000 candidates nationwide. 33,652 or 78.20 percent of the aspirants are males while 9,381 (21 percent) are females, of which 183 are for the Senate, and 155 filers for Party List — an unprecedented turnout showing the strong determination of Filipinos from all walks of life to serve and create a much-desired difference for the future of our country.

In San Juan City, this moment is especially significant. I filed my candidacy for my third and last term as mayor, with our second termer reelectionist Congresswoman Bel Zamora, Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili, and 12 councilors. We have one clear goal: Our “Makabagong San Juan Legacy” — a vision of lasting progress for all. Aiming once again for a 15-0 sweep, not just for the numbers, but to ensure we can complete the flagship projects that will make our city thrive even after my third term.

At the core of our legacy is public housing. The national government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) and our LGU’s soon-to-rise high-rise, in-city, socialized public housing projects in partnership with the NHA and DPWH, the first in the Philippines, will give thousands of decent homes to San Juaneño families. Public housing represents stability, security, and dignity; by investing in it, we can uplift the lives of our constituents.

Additionally, we will construct a multi-level sports complex to serve as a training ground for aspiring world-class athletes and a welcoming space for families. This will allow San Juaneños of all ages and demographics — children, adults, senior citizens, and PWDs to explore their potential and engage in sports and recreational activities which will help build strong communities and promote wellness. 

Healthcare is imperative to our vision. We are relentless in elevating San Juan Medical Center, our lone public hospital which is now categorized as a secondary-level facility. It was just at primary-level when I assumed office in 2019, but now we are already applying for tertiary-level accreditation as we are currently completing our critical care facilities including a cancer, dialysis and wellness center. This upgrade will ensure lifesaving treatments are available for all. 

We are also completing the construction of a national government center in the middle of the metro. This one-stop shop for national government offices will facilitate access to a host of government transactions. With offices for centralized processing at a strategic location, everyone can avail of various national government services under one roof, fast and easy. With this major infrastructure undertaking, we are creating a more accessible and responsive local and national government that is always within reach.

Inside this National Government Center will be our city’s first San Juan City Theater which will have an 800-person seating capacity. This may be used for events such as our annual State of the City Address, graduations, trainings, seminars, musicals, theatricals, performances and other community activities. 

We will also be building a new Local Government Center, which will serve as an annex of city hall, housing various San Juan local government unit offices that currently do not fit in our existing facility and are situated outside of City Hall.

We are building a new crematorium and columbarium with chapels in our San Juan cemetery for our departed loved ones. By having our own facilities such as these, we can provide an affordable option for families. The new chapels will mean that families will no longer have to hold wakes on the streets. Every person deserves a proper wake and burial, and a peaceful space for loved ones to gather to pay their last respects for those who have passed away. 

Public safety is always a priority of our administration. That is why, we are re-fleeting our city and barangay motor vehicles including new police patrol cars, and a ladder fire truck in case a fire breaks out in one of our high-rise buildings. Additionally, we will be installing CCTVs along all our primary, secondary, and tertiary roads, all linked to a full command center with a city-wide radio system. We’re also completing the new Eastern Police District Headquarters equipped with modern facilities, including a firing range and wooden covered basketball court. With the EPD soon moving to San Juan, our community will benefit from increased police visibility, faster response times, and enhanced safety. 
These projects will help keep our streets secure and enable rapid response to emergencies, disasters, and calamities.

Since the start of my first term up until the present, San Juan has never failed to be the city with the lowest crime volume in the entire National Capital Region. With all our barangays already declared drug-cleared by the PDEA, we reiterate our commitment that peace and order which leads to progress is not just a promise but a reality. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that everyone walks safely and sleeps soundly knowing that they are living in a very safe city.

The Makabagong San Juan Legacy is not just a set of flagship projects, it is a paradigm of good governance and genuine public service which we plan to leave behind after I finish my term in 2028 for future generations of San Juaneños to experience.