QUEZON City mayoralty bet Mike Defensor stood by his commitment to return portion of the city’s huge fund to the people by implementing programs that would directly benefit the people especially the poor.

In a candidates forum at the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) at the University of the Philippines, Defensor told listeners and the other mayoralty bets it is very important that progress be felt by the people of Quezon City, whether they are rich or poor.

‘Ngayon ang tamang panahon upang ibalik natin sa ating mga kababayan ang pondo ng Quezon City, nagawa na natin sa matagal na panahon ang pagtutok sa pagbabagong pisikal ng ating lungsod, dapat ay higit nating pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga serbisyo at programa na tunay na magpapabago sa kanilang pamumuhay,’ Defensor said.

Among the programs being pushed by Defensor are the distribution of health cards for affordable and quality medical services, monthly allowances for senior citizens, equal rights and privileges for the physically challenged persons, tuition discounts from the estimated 60 universities and schools to facilitate scholarships and pro-poor housing through the comprehensive mortgage program (CMP).

For his thrust in tourism, Defensor vowed to create jobs for city residents by developing the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center as major tourist attraction. He plans to make La Mesa Eco Park as the ‘Tagaytay’ of Metro Manila and successfully turn the Quezon City as the ‘City of Star’

Defensor said residents are also assured there would be no additional taxes under his administration since the city’s huge fund can finance his programs. Defensor said he will develop ways on how to eliminate tax burdens imposed on small businessmen such as sari-sari store owners as well as Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA).

‘Maunlad na ang Quezon City, pero dapat may gawin tayo para sa kanilang lahat upang maramdaman nila ito at sila mismo ay makasama natin sa tunay na pag-asenso,’ he added.