This is in response to the letter of Dr. Oliver G. Lacanilao. (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 10/20/08) While I respect Dr. Lacanilao’s views, please allow me to point out the following:

First, on the question of health care facilities: the Municipality of Candaba has a brand-new health center in Barangay Salapungan and two fully renovated centers in Barangays Poblacion and Barangay Bahay Pare. All are well-equipped and -supplied with medicines and each one has an ambulance. More than health care facilities, Candaba can boast of municipal extension buildings, the Ms Earth Park that includes the Hall of Justice, a children’s library and playground, a multi-purpose covered court, an evacuation center, a livelihood center, and the extension school of the Pampanga Agricultural College.

Second, on the question of flooding: Candaba is geographically a catch basin. Through the construction of new dikes and the improvement of old ones, the municipality has been able to mitigate damages caused by flooding. On the other hand, let me point out that the perennial swelling of the Candaba swamp brings fertility to our farmlands and the opportunity to convert the municipality into a promising ecotourism destination.

Third, on the recall petition against Gov. Eddie Panlilio: To claim that I am spearheading the petition is tantamount to stealing the credit from all the good people who sacrificed much for the truth to be heard. The petition was led by Kapanalig at Kambilan Ning Memalen Pampanga Inc. (Kambilan), which has been joined by Panlilio’s former supporters, including well-respected Lolita Hizon of Pampanga’s Best, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce president Rene Romero, all the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, all the mayors in the province, the Councilors League of the province, civil society groups, and at least 17 priests in the province. The petition also includes the Balas boys and those who served Panlilio during his first months in office, as well as by the governor’s stepmother.

Two hundred twenty-four thousand registered voters signed the recall petition, more than double the minimum requirement of the law. They deserve to be heard.

Incidentally, Pampanga needs more doctors to serve the poor. Maybe Dr. Lacanilao can volunteer.

JERRY PELAYO, mayor, Candaba, Pampanga