A thick folder of documents, P250 million in the coffer, and a hopeful wish.

These were what outgoing Mayor Benjamin Lim left for the new Dagupan City administration as he turned over the reins to incoming Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. before noon on Thursday, two days before the end of his term effective June 30.

The incoming mayor’s younger brother, Alex Fernandez, received the mantle of responsibility on his behalf as the new mayor and his son, outgoing Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez, were both in Malacanang for a meeting.

Alex Fernandez was accompanied by two incoming councilors, Jesus Canto and Alfie Fernandez, another son of the incoming mayor.

In his brief acceptance speech, Fernandez thanked Mayor Lim, City Administrator Rafael Baraan, all the department heads and division chiefs of the city government for their cooperation and hospitality.

Fernandez is a member of the transition team led by Vice Mayor Fernandez with Ryan Ravanzo as the other member.

Lim handed Fernandez a thick folder of documents, containing his terminal report culled from accomplishment reports of department heads, including the recommendations of the outgoing administration to the incoming administration for the continuity of projects.

Lim, who was bound for Malaysia the next day for a quick trip, said that he felt no pain leaving the city hall after six years of reign.

He also thanked the department heads and their employees for their cooperation during his term.

He told newsmen that he is hoping that the incoming administration will not just equal the achievements of his administration but also exceed and improve on them.

Although already a private citizen, he said, he will still be around and ready for any help that may be needed by city.

Incoming Councilor Alfie Fernandez, also a lawyer, assured Lim that the new administration of his father will carry on with the previous administration’s good programs, including the one-stop-shop, cleanliness campaign as well as traffic and sidewalk management.

Admitting he is not a perfect person, Lim said that there were projects that he had finished, half-finished and barely started and could have finished more if funds were available.

Flatly denying that the city coffer is bankrupt, Lim said his administration is leaving the next city administration some P250 million in the city treasury.—LM

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