An incumbent councilor here who is gunning for a mayorship has vowed to focus on health as the country is facing a global pandemic.

Nelson “Tata” Sala, who is also the Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) interim national president, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the town’s Commission on Elections (Comelec) office on Thursday.

In an interview, Sala said if he wins, he will offer a piece of his property to build a hospital which he deemed necessary as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases escalate.

“I already bought a two-hectare land intended for the hospital. Whether I will win or not, I will donate it to the province,” he said.

He said the most common problem in the town is people finding it hard to look for medical care.

“Hospital establishment is really my priority,” Sala reiterated.

Meanwhile, as the town’s councilor, he led the decision of the legislative sector to refuse the mayor’s call to secure loans for infrastructures and the town’s health programs.

“We don’t need to borrow money. We can ask help from the national government for our projects,” he added.

Sala said he initiated the construction of government infrastructures in the town including the buildings used by the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center, Comelec, Municipal Hall, Sanggunian Bayan, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the walls of Government Center among others through concerted efforts and donations.

“If you think that I am not rightful for the position, don’t vote for me. But if you vote for me, I will make sure to improve Sta. Cruz,” he said. (PNA)