MAYOR BATAOIL RECIPIENT OF PMA CAVALIER AWARD 2021

The local chief executive of the capital town, Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, reaped another feather in his cap.

Bataoil was among the recipients of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc., (PMAAAI) Cavalier Awards this 2021, the highest recognition given to a PMA alumnus or alumna with outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

He personally received the award on February 13, 2021 at the PMA, Fort Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City.

The Mayor, who was formerly a legislator and is a retired two-star Police General, was vested said Award for the second time for his exemplary feat in the realm of public service.

It was 11 years ago, or in February 2010, when the Mayor garnered his first Cavalier citation.

“Political will with humanitarian consideration,” reiterated Bataoil, when asked of his political guiding light. This same mantra paved the way for his winning, anew, the most coveted PMA Cavalier Award.

As it can be recalled, from a 33-year journey of outstanding military service, Bataoil boarded on another aspect of public service, now serving as the Mayor of Pangasinan’s capital, his beloved hometown, Lingayen.

His first year as a local chief executive was highlighted by enormous accomplishments despite the challenges, earning for his town and its people a number of acknowledgments, to include the Seal of Good Local Governance and citations for its approaches on peace and order, anti-illegal drugs, and protection of children.

Further, major infra-projects were instituted, such as the repainting and repair of the municipal hall building; the establishment of the new Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office; the renovation of the Lingayen Town Plaza Auditorium and Rizal Park; the construction of the Limahong Channel Tourism Center, Lingayen Ecotourism Park, and the Lingayen Civic Center which has already hosted several events.

Prior to his being a Mayor, the Lingkod ng Bayan was a three-termer representative of the second congressional district of Pangasinan. His records as such also boast of achievements, bolstered by his perfect attendance in all sessions of the House alongside his active presence in his jurisdiction.

Among his commendable projects were the Lingayen Baywalk; Daang Kalikasan connecting Mangatarem, Pangasinan to Sta.Cruz, Zambales; Daang Katutubo in Aguilar; hanging bridge in Cacaoiten, Mangatarem and Pototan, Binmaley; Ylang-Ylang Plantation; Lingayen-Binmaley by-pass road; restoration of the Casa Real, which will serve as the provincial museum; Construction and rehabilitation of Philippine National Police (PNP) stations, including fire stations, in the entire second district; farm-to-market roads; as well as construction of school buildings, multi-purpose halls, and rural health units.

With the new achievement, Bataoil, a member of the PMA Magilas Class of 1976, simply concluded by saying, “There is so much more to be done.”

A continuing quest for upliftment of people’s lives, providing more job opportunities, and improvement of health conditions and social order is guaranteed, he added. As construction of the new Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and Rural Health Unit 1 of Lingayen is underway while plan for the creation of the RHU3 and Police Community Precincts 1, 2 and 3 is already on the drawing board.

Like Bataoil, Pangasinan ex-Governor Amado Espino Jr. (PMA Class of 1972) and Lingayen municipal administrator Roberto Sylim (PMA Class of 1974) also received the same award in the past. (MIO)