SANTA CRUZ

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Mayor Marisa Red-Martinez Delivers Her 1st State of the Municipality Address (SOMA)

August 2, 2023 | Mayor's Office

Highlighting the local government’s collective efforts towards sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and people-centered post-pandemic recovery, Mayor Marisa Red-Martinez delivered her 1st State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) on July 28, 2023 – a year into her fresh term as local chief executive of the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Marinduque. 

With the theme “Sumisibol na Tagumpay: Isang Taon ng Bagong Pagkakataon”, Mayor Red rallied her constituents towards forging cooperation and unity which she pointed out was key to one of the achievements of her previous term when she initiated the filing of an expropriation proceeding that enabled the local government of Santa Cruz and the provincial government of Marinduque to claim ownership of the kilometers-long private roads of the no longer operational Marcopper Mining Corporation. 

Since Marcopper stopped operating in 1996, local and national government agencies have been unable to improve the already deteriorated private roads which serve as the primary access to barangays (villages) in the town’s Districts 6-8, gravely inconveniencing residents and putting motorists at risks. 

 

Reporting on the 10-Point Executive Agenda 

Mayor Red’s address then proceeded to outline some of the key accomplishments she initiated in collaboration with the various municipal departments and units towards realizing the 10-point agenda she presented to the people of Santa Cruz during her inaugural address upon assuming her post in 2022. 

These were: 1) Food Security; 2) Economic Recovery; 3) Total Health Care; 4) Infrastructure; 5) Peace and Order; 6) Support to Learning and Education; 7) Youth and Sports Development; 8) Support to Vulnerable Sectors; 9) Resilience; and 10) Tourism Development. 

Some of the notable accomplishments reported by Mayor Red and well-applauded by the audience include: 

Mayor Red rallied her local government officials and staff to unite under the banner of sustaining current gains and protecting the lofty vision and dream of her administration from detractors and hindrances to collaboration and cooperation. She then thanked various sectors, departments, and fellow elected officials, particularly from the Sangguniang Bayan of Santa Cruz led by Vice Mayor Bobs Manuel for their trust in her leadership and support of her administration’s innovations in delivering the best public service to the people of Santa Cruz. 

In recognition of the local chief executive’s work, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President and SB Council ex-officio Dolan Kirby Murillo moved for the Sangguniang Bayan to adopt the State of the Municipality Address of Mayor Marisa Red which was unanimously seconded and approved by the body. 

The SB session adjourned and the SOMA programme continued with the distribution of various forms of assistance, competition prizes, and plaques of recognition to individuals who have donated property to the local government for various uses. 

Dr. Susan Pineda of the Marinduque State College (MSC) graciously served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. 

A Metro Manila-based band sponsored by Mayor Marisa Red played until around midnight while barangay officials and LGU staff enjoyed each other’s company in celebration and thanksgiving for a successful year.