One of the simplest ways to measure the impact of leadership is to ask how people’s lives have changed under a new administration. For the people of Toledonhon/Toledonanon, the answer is clear. They not only have a multi-awarded Mayor, but have also experienced meaningful improvements under the administration—from better health, education, and social services to stronger infrastructure and economic development.
In the area of education, Mayor Perales implemented various programmes and initiatives to support students and strengthen local schools. These included the distribution of scholarship grants to more than 50 scholars, with each recipient receiving P30,000 per semester. The administration also invested in improving school buildings and facilities. Under her leadership, at least 12 schools received upgrades to their teaching facilities, including laptops, desktop computers, and LED TVs.
Mayor Perales also made healthcare a priority of her administration. Under her leadership, the hospital was upgraded to Level 1 status, with additional equipment and expanded services to provide care to more beneficiaries. Her administration also established the city’s first operating room, serving Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Surgery, and Orthopaedics. In 2023 alone, 1,115 major surgeries were performed.
The administration likewise prioritised the acquisition of advanced medical equipment and technology, such as a mammogram, CT scanner, and ultrasound machine. The city of Toledo also constructed its first dialysis centre, further expanding access to essential healthcare services for residents.
In the area of social services, Mayor Perales is known for bringing government services closer to the people. These initiatives include Senior Citizen Cash Assistance, a Women and Children Centre that provides support to victims of violence, and a Mobile Kitchen that delivers rapid assistance in disaster-affected areas. The administration also implemented a supplemental feeding programme to help address the nutritional needs of vulnerable residents.
In terms of infrastructure and economic development, Mayor Perales’ administration has undertaken several projects aimed at improving public facilities and strengthening the city’s resilience. These include the construction of a drainage system to help reduce the impact of flooding in Toledo, a new public market and sports courts, the renovation of the sea wall, and a pavement resurfacing project.
The work of Mayor Perales and her administration has been recognised by several organisations. The Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. (ALSWDOPI) awarded her a Plaque of Recognition as Outstanding Local Chief Executive of the Philippines Component City Category for Visayas. In recognition of her contributions to local progress, she was also named Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year by the Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards.
The city, together with her administration, has likewise received several recognitions, including the Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable City Award from Sustainability Standards Inc. and the GSIS Silver Seal of Protection Award, a national initiative by the Government Service Insurance System.
With these initiatives and achievements, Mayor Marjorie Perales continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Toledonanon, demonstrating how responsive and effective local leadership can help build a better, more sustainable, and more liveable city.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/toledo-city-mayor-marjorie-perales-honored-as-outstanding-city-mayor-in-visayas
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/superbalita-cebu/ang-multi-awarded-toledo-city-mayor-marjorie-joie-perales
https://www.facebook.com/ToledoCityPIO/posts/lookmayor-marjorie-piczon-perales-is-set-to-receive-the-awards-for-certified-mos/312613174240405/
https://www.facebook.com/NationbuildersAndMoslivAwards/posts/-awarded-honorary-local-chief-executive-of-the-year-hon-marjorie-p-peralestoledo/1060336496159907/
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/toledo-city-to-get-first-dialysis-center
https://www.facebook.com/mayorjoieperales/posts/over-the-last-65-years-since-we-became-a-city-we-faced-and-overcame-many-many-ch/1072011344937501/
Photos:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/toledo-city-mayor-marjorie-perales-honored-as-outstanding-city-mayor-in-visayas
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