30/06/2022
Sa pinangga kong mga Catmonanon😊💕
Una sa tanan, SALAMAT KAAYO SA INYONG PAGSALIG. You have given me many chances to serve you, we have grown so much together in my years as SKF President, SB member, Vice Maayor and Mayor. Sa atong pagkuyog, daghan na jud tang na agi-an.
Being the Municipal Mayor during the year June 2019 to June 2022 had its challenges and its hurdles. A tough job but I would still choose to do it all over again because the progress of Catmon and the welfare of each and every Catmonanon will always be worth it.
It was only six months into office when 2020 came in with a blast that no one could ever expect. The COVID-19 pandemic turned our lives upside down as a problem that did not come with ready made solutions. Kitang tanan apektado og kaming tanan mga government officials sa diin diin mang lugar sa Pilipinas ug bisan sa lain mga nasod parehong nangapa ug unsay mahimong solusyon sa maong pandemya. COVID-19 brought us hardships and loneliness. Many of our projects were halted and the Catmon LGU had to regroup and move forward.
The municipal employees, CATMON PNP, DRRM, VOLUNTERS, DOH PERSONNEL stationed in the municipality and the municipal officials have been working despite the ECQ and the many lockdowns we faced. My first term as mayor falls on the pandemic of a lifetime and I can stand here before you and say that without a doubt, I performed to the best of my abilities and bravely faced the storm of my mandate.
As the covid-19 vaccines came in, the alert levels slowed down and we were able to focus on bring our projects back up to speed.
It was also during my term in office that we were able to pay the municipality’s loan from Land Bank intended for the waterworks projects of the municipality which was a project planned by former Mayor Dan Jusay and likewise the Catmon Municipal Hall enhancement was also finished during my term which was also a project planned by the former mayor. We gave continuity and stability as we battled the pandemic and I could not be more proud of what we have been able to achieve.
On the other hand, the DILG directed us to establish a COVID-19 Municipal Taskforce and Monitoring Team Facility wherein all commodities shall be placed hence the closure of the Pedro J. Monsanto United Center for public use except for limited instances under safe monitoring.
The slow sand filtration as well was established during my term in office to solve the problem of having muddy waters during stormy weather. The project is now approved and we look forward to its implementation as we crafted this project with the safety of every Catmonanon in mind. We also look forward to the continued success of the solid waste management problem that we have continued to address during our term.
There are many things that we do that are not visible to the eyes of many but service is not for show and I can wholeheartedly tell you that our DRRM has worked tirelessly during municipal disaster responses and that we worked as a team.
But for those who I have,in any way, made to feel left out during my administration. I apologize. There will always be more work to be done and whether I am in office or not, I will continue to serve each and every one of you.
To all those who believed in my administration and gave their support, thank you. Your strength is the foundation which we stand upon and your belief in us furthered our love of service and solidified our commitment to the municipality we love.
To my family, friends, relatives, municipal employees and job order workers who have stood by me through all our ups and downs, my most sincere love and appreciation to every single one of you.
To my fellow BAKUD Party Candidates who have been given the opportunity to serve once again, do not ever hesitate to draw strength from us. Congratulations, good luck and stand firm in your beliefs and principles.
To the newly elected Mayor, Vice Mayor and councilors, congratulations. We look forward to the implementation of the projects we have worked hard to approve. Ug manghinaut ako nga ang mga empleyado sa munisipyo ug
ang mga Job Order Workers who are integral to the Local Government Unit na ampingan jud na ninyo sila kay tarong sila nangtrabaho para sa kaugmaon sa Catmon.
My journey in service does not end here and as I step out of the Municipal Hall, I will still very much be a simple Catmonanon who will continue to love and cherish our municipality.
Again, you have chosen me many times over to serve you and so I will continue to choose Catmon over and over again.
To the Lord Almighty, thank you for everything.
Usbon ko daghan salamat kaninyong tanan and God Bless Catmon!💕🙏❤️
With Love and Respect,
Mayor Irish Baylon-Gestopa
Signing Out 6.30.2022
