San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Friday, Jan. 24, led the distribution of customized World Balance rubber shoes to San Juaneño public servants in recognition of their dedication and sacrifice in serving the community and making San Juan one of the most prosperous cities in Metro Manila.
Designed by Zamora himself using the Steps Ahead model of World Balance, the Francis Zamora Makabagong San Juan World Balance customized rubber shoes were purchased through his personal funds and are not available commercially. This makes the footwear the mayor's unique token of gratitude for the city's public servants.
Those who received the shoes included elected city officials, barangay officials, SK officials, San Juan police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel, Department of Education school teachers, prosecutors, and judges.
“This is my way of showing my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the hardworking public servants of San Juan who have played a key role in transforming our city into what it is now. Your dedication and genuine public service have helped put San Juan back on the map of the Philippines and this is my small way of thanking you for all that you do for our people," the mayor said.
Under his leadership, San Juan City has received numerous awards and recognition including:
• The Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), highlighting excellence in governance and public service;
• The Galing Pook Award for Best Pandemic Response during COVID-19 (2021)
• Best education program during COVID-19 from the DILG (2021)
• The lowest crime volume among all cities in Metro Manila, with 100% of its barangays declared drug-cleared;
• Upgrading the San Juan Medical Center from Level 1 to Level 2, with new facilities such as a cancer ward and dialysis center opening soon;
• Recognition as the first LGU in the country to achieve population protection (herd immunity) in June 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic;
• Comprehensive support for public education, providing laptops to all teachers, learning devices to all students, fiber optic internet connection in all classrooms and households of students, and free school and P.E. uniforms and Makabagong San Juan rubber shoes;
• Recognition from national agencies such as the DILG, DOH, DICT, BLGF, DOLE, DOT, and awards from Gawad Kalasag;
• The construction of modern infrastructure, including high-rise in-city public housing projects and new multipurpose halls, barangay halls, and sports facilities; and
• Operating the highest-rated Public Employment Services Office (PESO) in Metro Manila, with innovative job-matching programs contributing to economic growth and increased investor confidence.
In March last year, Zamora also distributed Makabagong San Juan rubber shoes to all San Juan public school students, City Hall, and San Juan Medical Center employees.