Cauguiran: ‘I want to go home’

ANGELES CITY — Clark International Airport Corporation President Alexander Cauguiran has reiterated his mayoralty bid saying “I’m going home. I wanna go home where I belong. I belong to the people.”

Cauguiran stressed this during the Pampanga Press Club’s monthly media forum dubbed News at Hues at Park Inn by Radisson Clark which was held last Wednesday.

The CIAC chief said he will pursue his plans “with our without” the help of his long-time political ally, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, who is reportedly supporting another prospective candidate in the city’s mayorship.

Cauguiran admitted that he and Pamintuan had a “fall out”recently. “I’m going home with or without EdPam.”

Cauguiran said he wants to serve the rapidly-growing city by preaparing it for the development in Clark Freeport and airport. He cited the social cost that may arise because of the massive development in Clark.

“At the national average birth rate of 4.75 percent/ year, the city’s population will be about 630,000 by 2023. With a total land area of 60.72 square kilometers, the population density then will be about 10,500 persons per square kilometer, half of the present population density of Metro Manila which is approximately 21,000 per square kilometer, but way much higher than the national average density level of 337 persons per square kilometer,” Caugiran said.

He said that the influx of thousands of workers to the Clark Freeport, with majority of their families settling either in Mabalacat or Angeles City, the rise in population will no longer be merely pegged on the basis of the city’s birth rate.

“As soon as the rise in migration kicks in, a wide range of social issues must be addressed,” he said.

According to Cauguiran, more schools, better and more efficient health services, peace and order, vehicular traffic, sanitation and protection of the environment, disaster management, provision of basic utilities, have to respond.

“I’ve been to several places and found out that only a few ones set an event that is envisioned to educate people with the importance of values, and San Fernando is one of them,” Cabrillas said.

Cabrillas also remarked that the keys for government officials and employees to survive a call while doing public service are the Filipino values and traits such as the spirit of “bayanihan,” friendship, and resilience.

Meanwhile, City Human Resource Development Officer Rachelle Yusi stated “this course will help the employees be more equipped with their functions and duties in their respective offices in the government.”