ORMOC CITY — In her 2024 State of the City Address (SOCA) on Monday, October 14, Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez posed a pivotal question to her constituents: “How did we get here?” as she highlighted the journey that has made Ormoc among the growing cities in the country.
Gomez emphasized the importance of consistent effort, stating, “To put it simply, we put in the work—daily. There are no shortcuts.”
Reflecting on her inaugural speech in 2022, she reiterated her vision of the “Tree of Dreams,” where they have diligently sown the seeds of Peace, Health, Social and Physical Infrastructure, Economic Prosperity, and Sustainability.
Building on the foundation laid by former mayor and current Congressman Richard Gomez, she expressed pride in the city’s expansion: “We have grown. We are stronger. We are bigger.”
She acknowledged the hard work that has gone into achieving these developments, saying, “The most difficult part of the job is the actual work.”
During her SOCA, Gomez underscored the need for resources to realize these dreams as she formally presented to the members of the city council the P2.72 billion budget for next fiscal year.
In her address, Gomez extended her appreciation to all workers and employees of the city government.
“To those who greet us good morning every day, process our permits, budgets, payrolls, and certifications, and keep our streets and water systems clean, I salute you and thank you,” she said.
“No job is ever too big or small. We all need each other and must support one another. We are a strong force of 3,993—perhaps imperfect but always determined, united by a singular vision of making Ormoc shine,” the city mayor said.
Gomez thanked her team for embracing her vision and that of the Ormoc Development Team (ODT). “Yes, I am an exacting boss. I expect much from you because much is also expected from me. Together, let us not disappoint.”
She noted the systematic professionalization of City Hall during her husband’s administration, with new departments established for clearer accountability and reporting lines.
“It was during his time that employees were nurtured and encouraged to enhance their skills through seminars, executive courses, capacity building, and benchmarking with other LGUs and established companies,” she said, highlighting that members of the LGU attended Lee Kwan Yew University in Singapore last July.
“Your strength will be mine, too. I am only as good as the people I work with,” she added.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
