July 1 is not only the first day of Arlene B. Arcillas’ birth month, but it also marked her first day—again—as City Mayor of Santa Rosa City in Laguna, having been elected to three terms previously.
Though she was also able to serve the people of Santa Rosa while in Congress, Arcillas admitted: “Your servant returned to you because you always go back to where your heart belongs.”
Mayor Arlene served Santa Rosa as Mayor for three terms in 2007, 2010 and 2013. Before that, she served as Kabataang Barangay Federation President of Santa Rosa in 1984; was elected Senior Councilor in 2004, became Vice Mayor in 2005, and was Officer-in-Charge Mayor in 2006.
Remembering her father, the late Mayor Leon C. Arcillas, Mayor Arlene said her father’s love for the people of the city spread to their entire family as well, and that is why the hearts of the Arcillas “will be with the people for always.”
In a speech on her first day of office, she said the city has been steadily developing, and it is her dream that everyone will also feel it in their own lives and households. The mayor vowed to work doubly hard so people can really feel and benefit in its growth.
Promising to continue her administration’s practice of participatory governance, Arcillas said she and the other newly elected officials “will be needing the support of the people especially the employees of the city government.” Roy Tomandao
Arcillas took her oath of office before Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as officiating officer. In the past, her oaths of office were also administered by key officials from the Justice Department which, according to her, attests to her commitment to give justice to her constituents.
