Mayor Hisham Ismail on Tuesday outlined a development roadmap focused on infrastructure, public services, economic growth and good governance as the city advances its vision of becoming a Smart City and a Highly Urbanized City (HUC).

In his first State of the City Address (SOCA), Ismail highlighted the city government’s accomplishments from July 2025 to June 2026 and outlined priority programs to improve the delivery of public services, sustain economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for Legazpeños.

“Our direction is clear – to become a Smart City and, in the years to come, a HUC,” Ismail said, adding that the city’s vision can be realized only through responsive governance and the collective efforts of government, civil society organizations, and residents.

Infrastructure development, he said, remains at the forefront of the local government’s agenda, with the city pursuing projects that will modernize public facilities, improve mobility, and support long-term urban growth.

Priority projects include building a geriatric center, tourism building, kayaking center, Love Lock attraction; improving Legazpi Sports Complex and Ibalong Park; modernizing the Legazpi City Fish Market; rehabilitating the public market; upgrading roads and drainage; constructing new classrooms; and the ongoing City Hall facelift.

Complementing these infrastructure projects, the city government continues to implement long-term water and electricity initiatives, especially in underserved communities, Ismail said.

These include expanding water supply infrastructure, pipeline networks, storage facilities, procuring water tanker trucks, and coordinating with Legazpi City Water District to improve access to potable water, especially in southern barangays.

The local government, he said, allocated funds for converting barangay power associations, installing solar streetlights in all 70 barangays, rehabilitating power facilities, and establishing an additional substation to improve electricity reliability and support business activities.

He added that alongside infrastructure development, the city continues to strengthen education by improving learning facilities and expanding support for students and teachers.

The city facilitated the construction of additional classroom buildings, rehabilitated 56 public schools, and implemented projects to improve learning facilities, he said.

He noted that the city administration also distributed school bags and learning supplies to more than 25,000 learners, increased year-end cash incentives and honoraria for teachers, and improved campus safety through anti-bullying efforts, greater police presence, and handheld metal detectors in public schools.

“Through our various educational programs and projects, we manifest our full support for their learning journey, believing in their potential as the future leaders and responsible citizens of our city,” Ismail said.

He emphasized that the city’s development agenda can only succeed through sustained collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and residents. (PNA)