SAN PABLO CITY. Newly elected Mayor Najie Gapangada on Tuesday unveiled his administration’s vision to transform San Pablo into a greener, more liveable, and economically vibrant city, beginning with the creation of eco-parks and a bold urban planning initiative led by renowned architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr.
Speaking at his first official press conference held at City Hall, Gapangada said the eco-park program is designed to provide local jobs, promote sustainable tourism, and ease the burden of long commutes for San Pableños.
“San Pableños should not have to leave the city to earn a decent living,” the mayor said. “Eco-parks will not only protect our environment, but they will also generate employment and improve the quality of family life by giving people more time at home.”
The planned eco-parks will include green recreational areas, nature trails, and community facilities designed to blend with the local landscape while promoting environmental conservation.
To guide the city’s transformation, Gapangada announced a partnership with Palafox, a Harvard-trained urban planner known for designing sustainable cities across the Philippines and abroad. The collaboration will focus on walkable communities, green infrastructure, disaster-resilient planning, and efficient land use.
“We are honored to welcome Architect Palafox to San Pablo. With his expertise, we can plan our growth responsibly, preserving our heritage while preparing for the future,” the mayor said.
Focus on Work, Health, and Education
Gapangada outlined a three-pronged governance program centered on work, health, and education. While plans are underway to attract private investors for these sectors, the mayor emphasized that timing is crucial, especially with the anticipated opening of the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (TR4) next year.
TR4, a major infrastructure project connecting Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena, Quezon, includes a stretch through San Pablo. Once completed, the expressway is expected to cut travel time from over three hours to just 45 minutes, opening a faster gateway for tourism, commerce, and logistics in the region.
“We are positioning San Pablo to take full advantage of the economic benefits TR4 will bring,” the mayor said. “We want to be ready when the door opens.”
City Press Corps and Media Partnership
During the same event, City Information Officer Rolando Inciong announced the formation of a San Pablo Press Corps, an independent media group modeled after the Malacañang Press Corps.
“We invite all local and regional media to be part of this initiative,” Inciong said. “Together, let’s highlight the beauty, hospitality, and hardworking spirit of San Pableños. It’s time we tell our own stories and attract partners who believe in our potential.”
The mayor’s address was well-received by attendees from both the private and public sectors, many of whom noted the shift in tone toward transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Gapangada concluded the press conference with a message of optimism:
“This is just the beginning. San Pablo is open for ideas, open for investment, and open for progress, with every San Pableño at the heart of it.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
