THE VISION OF “ASENSO PAGADIAN”: An IN-DEPTH
STUDY on the Development of Pagadian City under the
Leadership of MAYOR SAMUEL S. CO. (5 years of Government
Leadership, including the more than two (2) unproductive years
– COVID PANDEMIC)
By: VIRLIE P. BENITEZ, LL.B.
Why Pagadian City Has Thrived Under MAYOR SAMUEL S.
CO?
Pagadian City has experienced remarkable growth during the
administration of Mayor Samuel S. Co. Here are some key
reasons why this is significant:
ECONOMIC/PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS:
The No.1 richest among component cities in Mindanao in
terms of Assets.
The No.3 richest among component cities in Mindanao in
terms of Income.
Top 12 of the Most Performing Mayor in the Philippines.
THE MAYOR’S DEEP AND PROFOUND UNDERSTANDING
ON HUMAN TRAFFIC (Increasing the number of people in the
city).
Mayor Co understands that increasing the number of people in
the city, or "human traffic," leads to economic benefits, in other
words, the mayor is investing on long term programs/projects.
Here’s how human traffic impacts the city:
1. Economic Growth.
More Spending: Increased foot traffic means more
customers for local businesses, boosting sales and
stimulating the economy.
Attracting New Businesses: Busy areas draw in new
shops and restaurants, creating a diverse economic
landscape.
2. Job Creation.
New Opportunities: More businesses mean more jobs,
reducing unemployment and raising local incomes.
Diverse Sectors: Increased traffic supports various job
sectors, from retail to hospitality.
3. Increased Property Value.
Real Estate Growth: Busy areas see rising property
values, encouraging investment and improvements in
local infrastructure.
4. Boost in Tourism.
Attracting Visitors: High-traffic areas are more appealing
to tourists, increasing revenue for local businesses.
5. Investment Attraction.
Potential Markets: More people mean more
opportunities for investors, boosting local development.
6. Public Transport Use
More Passengers: Increased foot traffic encourages
public transport use, benefiting the transportation
sector.
Key Initiatives Undertaken by Mayor Samuel S. Co to
Increase Human Traffic:
1. Prioritizing the Transfer of the Regional
Government Center to Pagadian with heavy
investment on real property acquisition and
infrastructure investment. According to NEDA this
contributes to making the city the regional growth area
of Zamboanga Peninsula. (https://nro9.neda.gov.ph/wp
content/uploads/2023/12/
ZamPen-RDP-2023-2028-Chapter2.pdf)
Justification:
a. More than 3,000 employees or around 10,000
(including families) more people will transfer or
visit Pagadian, a significant increase in Human
Traffic.
Sectors that will directly benefit from this
transfer: Farmers (food production, increase
price of agricultural products); Business:
(Housing, Food Business, and Local Tourism);
Service Sector: (construction workers,
plumbers, and etc.); Local Toruism.
If 3,000 employees have an average salary of
250,000/year, the average Total Salary would
be 750,000,000. If, the average spending is
70%, a total of 525,000,000 will add to the
money in circulation in Pagadian City.
Money in circulation fuels a city’s growth,
creates jobs, enhances services, and
improves the quality of life for everyone.
Keeping money flowing is essential for a
thriving community!
b. Daily traffic of visitors coming from different cities,
municipalities and provinces in the region to
transact business in the Regional Center.
2. Hosting of Board Examinations. Pagadian City is
actively bringing board examinations to our area. To
make this happen, at the beginning, the city even
covers the transportation and accommodation costs for
board exam staff.
This effort is crucial because:
a. Increased Visitors: Hosting these exams attracts
thousands of examinees and their families, boosting
local businesses. Currently, 30+ Board Courses are
having their board exams in the city, if this can draw
an average of 50,000 examinees/year spending
3,000.00, we will have an additional 150,000,000
money in circulation.
b. Economic Boost: With more people in town, hotels,
restaurants, and shops benefit from increased
spending.
c. Community Pride: It showcases Pagadian as a center
for education and opportunity, enhancing our city's
reputation.
3. Celebrating Our Festivals in Pagadian.
Pagadian hosts one of the longest and most vibrant
festivals in the country, (starting from Christmas, New
Year, the Pasalamat Festival, and Chinese New Year)
which is celebrated from the month of December
through the month of February) and the weeklong
celebration of Araw ng Pagadian. These celebrations
attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, bringing
millions of pesos into our local economy.
Its Impact:
a. Boosting Tourism: These events draw people from
near and far, filling our hotels and restaurants.
b. Economic Growth: With so many visitors, local
businesses thrive, leading to more jobs and
opportunities for everyone.
c. Community Spirit: These festivals foster pride and
unity in our city, showcasing our rich culture and
traditions.
4. Building Tourism Infrastructure in Pagadian
Investing in tourism infrastructure, like the Rotunda,
Pagadian City Boulevard, Water Park, Palpalan View
Deck, and Poloyagan Beach Resort and many more, is a
game-changer for our city.
a. Attracting Visitors: These attractions will draw more
tourists every day, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
b. Economic Boost: With more people visiting, local
businesses will thrive, leading to millions of pesos
circulating in our economy.
c. Job Creation: New attractions mean more jobs for
residents, boosting employment opportunities.
How Mayor Samuel S. Co Achieved Infrastructure
Development in Pagadian City?
Despite having limited funds—only 20% of the annual
budget, or about ₱500 million per year (approximate) —Mayor
Samuel S. Co has successfully transformed Pagadian through
strategic infrastructure development.
Here’s how he did it:
1. Prioritized Spending on Crucial Infrastructure.
a. Regional Government Center: The mayor focused on
acquiring land and building essential infrastructure,
such as government buildings and a bank within the
Regional Government Center. This center not only
serves the neighboring cities and provinces but also
attracts more visitors and businesses to Pagadian.
b. Tourism Infrastructure: Recognizing the potential of
tourism, investments were made in attractions like
parks and resorts. These developments are designed
to draw in tourists, which boosts local spending and
supports the economy.
c. Improvement of Government Buildings: By upgrading
government facilities, the city enhances service
delivery to residents. A more efficient government
means happier citizens and better access to services.
d. Priority Barangay Projects: Mayor Co actively listens
to the needs of barangay communities and invests in
their proposed projects. This grassroots approach not
only fosters development but also strengthens
community ties and ensures that local voices are
heard.
e. Despite a very limited budget and a very big
investment requirement, he was able to allocate
funds for education (PCIC), Infirmary (soon to be level
1 hospital) farmers, fisherfolks, senior citizens and
other sectors.
2. Focus on Low Spending, High Returns Initiatives
a. Festival Celebrations: By organizing vibrant festivals,
the city attracts thousands of visitors, resulting in
increased spending in local businesses. These
celebrations highlight the rich culture of Pagadian
while driving economic growth.
b. Hosting Examinations: Bringing board examinations
to Pagadian generates significant foot traffic. This not
only benefits local accommodations and restaurants
but also positions the city as an educational hub.
c. Inviting Big-Time Investors: The mayor actively seeks
to attract large investors, creating opportunities for
growth and development. By showcasing Pagadian’s
potential, he brings in funding and expertise that can
elevate the entire city.
"A Little of Everything" Mantra
Mayor Co’s mantra of "A Little of Everything" can summarized
his inclusive and balance development approach.By diversifying
investments across various sectors, he effectively maximizes
the impact of limited funds. This strategy ensures that the
benefits are widespread, touching all aspects of community life
—from infrastructure and tourism to local events and economic
opportunities.
CONCLUSION:
Through strategic prioritization and a focus on high-return
initiatives, Mayor Samuel S. Co has transformed Pagadian
despite financial limitations. His vision and commitment to
balanced development are paving the way for a brighter, more
prosperous future for all residents. With continued support and
smart investments, Pagadian is on the path to becoming a
thriving city!
