Media group honors Lanao mayor for effective leadership

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – A media group in the city has given a young town mayor an award for “effective leadership," resulting in various development projects that are being enjoyed by the town’s folk. The Philippine Media Association (Philmedia) recently gave Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr of Masiu town in Lanao del Sur an “effective young leader" award in a simple awards rite held at a local food house. Barely one year and one month in office, Mayor Pangandaman has already effected radical changes in development administration in accordance with the national policies, empowered the Sangguniang Bayan in conformity with the Local government Code of 1991. He has supported socio-economic activities of the Bangsamoro Development Agency; initiated public enterprise; invigorated local agricultural development; improved water, Sanitation and health services and developed Comprehensive Development Plan- Executive Development Agenda and One town Product Concept through the creation support administrative structures. He has also implemented road construction and rehabilitation projects with the full support of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur under the able leadership of Governor Mamintal “Bombit" A. Adiong,Jr. Also, the young mayor has caused the erection of a P19-million two-storey municipal building on a lot he has donated. Started only in February this year, the municipal building is now 97 percent complete. Philmedia's Ely Barcelona, also Mindanao Inquirer's publisher, presented the award to the young mayor, who was accompanied by his chief of staff MM Abdullah and Danny Pacasum. In a press conference following the awarding rites, Pangandaman said “Kung ano ang dapat para sa tao ay dapat itong ibigay sa kanila." (What the people deserve must be given to them). Described as “achiever" and “transformer," the young leader, the 26-year-old, son of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman, focuses his attention on ways to alleviate his poor constituents. Among the Masiu town’s priority projects are farm-to-market roads, irrigation, local water system and similar vital facilities boost economic activities and improve social condition in the community. Media personalities present during the awarding ceremony were National Union of Journalist of the Phillippines-Iligan City Chapter Emmie De Los Santos, Gene De Guzman of Mindanao Monitor, Junix Yarag of Panguil Bay Monitor, Rey Altres of Love Radio and Fritzie Caburatan. - Ric Clet, GMANews.TV