2 “𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻” Amidst the growing demand for improved public service in the 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻, all city mayors are stepping up to the plate. However, there is one leader who stands head and shoulders above the rest – 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗻, the unwavering Mayor of Candon City. In the latest independent and non-commissioned “Boses ng Bayan” survey conducted by RP- Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD), Mayor Eric Singson has once again emerged as the top mayor in the region with a staggering 92.8% approval rating. This is a testament to his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts toward the development of his city. But 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗻 is not alone in his pursuit of excellence. He is followed closely by a group of able and competent city mayors, who have all received high approval ratings in the survey. Michael Marcos Keon, the Mayor of Laoag City, comes in second with 86.2%, followed by Bonito Singson of Vigan City (80.5%), Rammy Parayno III of Urdaneta City (78.7%), Ayoy Resuello of San Carlos City (76.4%), Arth Bryan Celeste of Alaminos City (74.6%), Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City (70.5%), Albert Chua of Batac City (67.6%), and Dong Gualberto of San Fernando City (65.3%). The responsibilities of a City Mayor are vast and complex, and they are evaluated on a variety of criteria such as transparency, accountability, effectiveness, responsiveness, and public service delivery. “It takes a true leader to excel in all these areas, and Mayor Singson has proven time and again that he is more than up to the task,” said Dr. Paul Martinez of RPMD. Under his leadership, Candon City has undergone a remarkable transformation, with significant improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public safety. He has also implemented several innovative programs and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for his constituents. But Mayor Singson is not one to rest on his laurels. He is constantly looking for new ways to improve and innovate, and his dedication to his city and its people is unwavering. It is no wonder that he has once again emerged as the top mayor in the region, and a shining example of what a true leader should be. As the Ilocos Region continues to evolve and change, it is heartening to know that there are leaders like Mayor Singson and his fellow city mayors who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of their constituents. They are the true voices of the people, and their unwavering commitment to public service is a beacon of hope in these challenging times. According to Dr. Paul Martinez of RPMD, the Ilocos Region City Mayors’ Performance Survey aims to recognize the exceptional efforts and dedication of these leaders towards their respective communities. The assessment also stresses the importance of holding elected officials accountable to ensure they are actively working toward the betterment of their communities. While citizens in these cities can take pride in having some of the best leaders in the region, the survey also reveals the need for other mayors to enhance their performance. The Ilocos Region City Mayors’ Performance Survey is a crucial part of the “Boses ng Bayan” national poll, which provides a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of public officials. The poll is based on face-to-face interviews with 10,000 adult respondents, with a sampling error of +/-1% and a 95% confidence level. By doing these kinds of assessments on a regular basis, leaders can be held accountable for their actions and always work to improve the lives of the people who live in their cities. (posted on the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. Facebook page on April 6,2023)