As an independent district and thriving city in Laguna, Biñan is rapidly making its way to progress and development. The Biñanenses are witnesses to their local government’s bid for better education, quality health services, preservation of their histo-culture, strengthened security measures, and more.
allows them to align their goals for the development of the city.
These developments are a result of the progressive minds and steadfast leadership of what the city calls “The Big Three,” composed of Congresswoman Marlyn “Len” B. Alonte-Naguiat, Mayor Walfredo “Arman” R. Dimaguila, Jr., and Vice Mayor Angelo “Gel” B. Alonte.
It all began when Alonte-Naguiat was elected city mayor in 2007. She still proudly wears the badge of being the first and only female mayor of Biñan. By her third term in 2010, Biñan was declared as a city and later a lone congressional district in 2015. She then went on to become Biñan’s first representative in Congress.
“All these positions only meant that my constituents in Biñan, my beloved Biñanenses, trust me enough to lead them, make things happen for them, and implement projects and programs that change their lives for the better,” the congresswoman said.
She spearheaded the establishment of Iskolar ng Biñan, their flagship project on education that made tertiary education accessible to thousands of underprivileged students in their city. Another project in Alonte-Naguiat’s term is the Health Assistance Program for Indigent (HAPI) Card that provides Biñanenses access to healthcare.
During her term as mayor, Alonte-Naguiat also strongly advocated for women’s empowerment, resulting in many productive projects for Kababaihan Unlad Biñan.
Meanwhile, the congresswoman wasted no time implementing different projects and programs for the benefit of her constituents. One of them is Alagang Len, her flagship program in the Biñan Congressional District Office that focuses on different sectors such as health assistance to indigenous citizens, livelihood creation for sustainability, and infrastructure projects, especially in education.
“Biñan has also transformed from a sleepy municipality into a dynamic city, thanks to the many public-private partnerships that have also helped create jobs and livelihood for Biñanenses,” she said.
With Alonte-Naguiat ascending to a position in Congress, the responsibilities of the city mayor fell into the hands of Dimaguila. It is indeed fortunate for the Biñanenses that both Alonte-Naguiat and Dimaguila share a passion for public service and a clear vision of the city’s development.
As a mayor, Dimaguila is not one to merely keep his sights focused on a single aspect of Biñan’s growth. Instead, he looks at the bigger picture and addresses each situation promptly. He’s also not the type of leader to rely solely on himself when it comes to making decisions for the welfare of his city and his constituents.
Dimaguila shared that he also gets inspiration from previous Biñan city mayors and other cities and countries he visited.
“I keep this journal where I would usually write my observations. Sinusulat ko lahat ng mga magagandang bagay at practices na nakikita ko and I copy and improve them for our city,” the city mayor said.
He also maintained Alonte-Naguiat’s Iskolar ng Biñan program since education remains a top priority in Dimaguila’s administration.
Building quality infrastructures is also another goal that Dimaguila has for the city of Biñan. He supervised the completion of six projects, including a 170-million peso private-public partnership for an elevated parking, commercial center, and hotel in Brgy. Poblacion. Other notable projects include the already functional Balay Silangan Reformation and Rehabilitation Center and the new Biñan Fire Station in Brgy. San Vicente, which is just awaiting inauguration.
“The construction of the new Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – Biñan Campus building is nearing completion, while the 4-story building of Ospital ng Biñan with a 200-bed capacity, a dialysis center, and ICU is almost 65 percent finished,” Dimaguila said.
Another notable highlight of the Dimaguila administration is their Command Control and Communication Center, equipped with over 200 CCTVs. It also has its local version of 911 calls and a community radio station called “Radyo Biñan 87.9: The City of Life.” The center, according to Dimaguila, is meant for peace and order, emergency response, disaster preparedness, and risk reduction.
Throughout his terms as mayor, Dimaguila oversaw infrastructure projects and improved education, healthcare, disaster response, peace and order, and livelihood in the city. He also prompted the restoration of the Historic Alberto Mansion and created a Heritage District to promote their culture and history. Job generating projects in Biñan are also made continuous with the help of PESO and private sectors.
For his last term as mayor, Dimaguila shifted his attention to promoting the city and its economy.
And while many consider that three’s a company, Biñan’s rapid progress wouldn’t have been possible without the presence of Vice Mayor Alonte. Like Alonte-Naguiat and Dimaguila, Alonte remained active in serving the Biñanenses amid the pandemic.
Vice Mayor Alonte took all the necessary steps to secure financial assistance for his fellow Biñanseses during these challenging times. He also supported Dimaguila’s infrastructure programs by adding new projects such as the new Ospital ng Biñan and Biñan Science High School.
“We’re also not overlooking the health and safety of our citizens, especially at a time like this. We have multiple vaccination sites in 24 barangays partnered with prompt information dissemination about COVID-19,” Alonte said.
One of his primary concerns in the city is its bid for accessible education for all. While the Iskolar ng Biñan program continues to provide scholarships to the city’s top students, Alonte ensures that students receive financial support, school materials, and a strong internet connection.
The vice mayor will also expand the Iskolar ng Biñan program by including local artists and athletes as scholarship grantees, just in time for the Araw ng Biñan celebrations.
Another event that Biñanenses should look out for in Araw ng Biñan is the groundbreaking ceremony of Biñan Esplanade, a bayside park in Brgy. Dela Paz.
Maintaining a harmonious relationship with each other and sharing in a unified vision of a progressive Biñan is undoubtedly effective for the city’s governing big three. As their projects align to achieve a common goal, Alonte-Naguiat, Dimaguila and Alonte continuously deliver quality services and projects to their constituents.