Bringing About Change Through the 4Ks

KABUHAYAN, KALUSUGAN, KARUNUNGAN, AT KAAYUSAN (LIVELIHOOD, HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND PEACE AND ORDER) SERVE AS THE KEY PILLARS OF SANTIAGO CITY MAYOR SHEENA TAN'S LEADERSHIP AS SHE LEADS THE CITY TOWARDS SOCIAL PROGRESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.

The success of governance in Santiago lies in the seamless integration of our 4K pillars—each one strengthening the other,” Santiago City Mayor Sheena Tan succinctly describes the strategy that has worked wonders for the northern city. Through the 4Ks, Santiago City has been stronger than ever, with programs, projects, and activities focusing on livelihood, health, education, and peace and order that have contributed to an overall better quality of life. These efforts have led the city to 67 national and regional awards for good governance in the year 2024 alone.

“Our people are at the heart of our achievements, and through these governance initiatives, we ensure continued progress and inclusivity,” the mayor stresses.

THE CPA-LAWYER Tan was a practicing certified public accountant (CPA) and lawyer before becoming a public servant. According to her, being a CPA-lawyer shaped her decision-making skills, giving her an “eye for detail and a strong sense of decisiveness.”

 In 2012, the mayor graduated cum laude from De la Salle University-Manila attaining her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the age of 19, after which she joined the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In 2016, she  graduated with second honors from the Juris Doctor Program of the Ateneo Law School and became a lawyer the following year at the age of 23. She worked as a corporate and tax lawyer for two years at Quisumbing Torres Law Firm, partner of Baker McKenzie Law Firm. In 2019, she ran and won a seat in the 18th Congress of the House of Representatives. The skills acquired in practicing both professions, according to Tan, are valuable and comparable to being a local chief executive.

FROM LEGISLATOR TO LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE

As representative of the Fourth District of Isabela during the 18th Congress, Tan principally authored bills that also SERBISYONG TAPAT PARA SA BAWAT KABSAT Guided by the principle of Serbisyong Tapat para sa Bawat Kabsat (Honest Service for Every Santiagueño), Tan has worked hard to ensure that her constituents are given the services they need with regard to livelihood, health, education, and peace and order. Kabuhayan (Livelihood) Fueled by her compassion toward her constituents and the energy in delivering the best service possible, Tan launched programs and projects within reach of every Santiagueño. She established the Santiago City Action Center, a one-stop shop for processing financial and medical assistance below Php10,000 upon assuming office. She also initiated Kaisa Kabuhayan (One Livelihood), a cooperative that grants interest-free loans to promoted the 4Ks, such as, House Bill (HB) 4292 which sought to increase the bed capacity of the Southern Isabela Medical Center in Santiago City from 350 to 700, HB 914 establishing the Philippine Corn Research Institute, HB 4218 creating the Philippine High School for Sports, and HB 4887 strengthening and modernizing the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Tan describes her transition from legislator to local chief executive as inspired and “guided by a deep-rooted commitment to public service.” This commitment led her to continually find ways for the city to progress.

“As a legislator, I focused on crafting laws that empowered our people. As mayor, I now see these laws in action, directly impacting lives,” she shares. Tan finds the chief local executive post more challenging as it requires balancing different perspectives and being sensitive to everyone’s life situation.

“Leading a city is more complex than defending a bill in Congress—it requires daily interaction with people from all walks of life, balancing varying perspectives, and executing tangible solutions. With a results-driven approach and my principle of Serbisyong Tapat para sa Bawat Kabsat, I embraced the challenges of local governance head-on,” Tan says.

SERBISYONG TAPAT PARA SA BAWAT KABSAT

Guided by the principle of Serbisyong Tapat para sa Bawat Kabsat (Honest Service for Every Santiagueño), Tan has worked hard to ensure that her constituents are given the services they need with regard to livelihood, health, education, and peace and order.

 Kabuhayan (Livelihood) Fueled by her compassion toward her constituents and the energy in delivering the best service possible, Tan launched programs and projects within reach of every Santiagueño. She established the Santiago City Action Center, a one-stop shop for processing financial and medical assistance below Php10,000 upon assuming office. She also initiated Kaisa Kabuhayan (One Livelihood), a cooperative that grants interest-free loans to market vendors. She also led efforts for the construction of the modern slaughterhouse. This has generated the city Php12.3 million in annual revenues.

The local chief executive is also active during typhoons and other calamities. She utilizes her Facebook page to provide real time updates on typhoons, including their movement, where assistance is needed, and the local government's available assistance. During Typhoon Paeng, 346 farmers were given livelihood assistance for the losses they incurred. Some farmers even received scholarships for their children. Meanwhile, the launching of the freshwater hatchery at Gunot Seed Farm is an opportunity for fisher folks to get free fingerlings, further supporting their livelihood.

Apart from local government assistance, Tan also attracted investments such as business process outsourcing (BPO) companies that generated employment in the city. “By streamlining business registration through the Ease of Doing Business Act, we have encouraged more investments, resulting in increased employment opportunities across various industries. The expansion of the BPO sector has been a game-changer, growing from 25 agents to over 300, creating more jobs for our people. Additionally, our Public Employment Service Office plays a crucial role in job placements and career development,” Tan adds.

Tourism also played a key role in employment generation for the constituents and wealth generation for the city. The Dariuk Hills Theme Park with La Salette Transfiguration Chapel is now a major attraction in the city. To ensure the conservation of the environment despite the rise of tourism infrastructure, the city implements sustainability policies. “We adhere to RA 9003 [Ecological Solid Waste Management Act] and implement strict sustainability policies, ensuring that Santiago’s natural attractions, such as Dariuk Hills, remain well-maintained. Partnerships with DENR and local communities help preserve our environment while creating livelihood opportunities,” Tan underscores. The above efforts have resulted in a drop in the city’s unemployment rate from eight percent to four percent.

Kalusugan (Health) The local chief executive also supports health programs providing assistive devices such as glasses, canes, and wheelchairs; and livelihood grants to persons with disability. The local government provides free diagnostic laboratory services even as a mobile clinic visits barangays for easy healthcare access. For constituents aged 75 and above, there is a longevity cash gift. “We have strengthened maternal and child care programs, expanded access to sanitation and potable water, and established the Santiago City Action Center, a financial lifeline for those needing medical assistance. Most notably, we inaugurated the Santiago City Hemodialysis Center, providing free treatment for patients in need. These initiatives reflect our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of every 20 LEAGUE Santiagueño,” Tan shares.

Karunungan (Education) “Santiago’s approach to literacy goes beyond basic reading and writing—it’s about empowerment and lifelong learning. Our Local Literacy Coordinating Council ensures that our programs are tailored to the needs of our diverse communities,” the mayor says. “To support underprivileged students, we’ve invested in modern school facilities, financial aid, scholarships, and licensure exam support. We also champion inclusive education for indigenous peoples and learners with special needs, ensuring that no child is left behind.”

For education, the local government has projects ensuring better education facilities, cash assistance for high school and college students, and licensure exam support or financial aid for those who want to take board exams to attain their professional licenses.

Kaayusan (Peace and Order) “We maintain strong collaboration among the barangays, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, and local peacekeeping teams. Initiatives such as close circuit television camera installation, streetlighting projects, and intensified anti-crime operations help create a safer city. Moving forward, we will continue providing logistical and infrastructure support to enhance community security,” Tan states. These projects, all anchored on the mayor’s 4K framework have benefited the whole of Santiago City.

“The success of our mega projects was a game-changer. From day one, I committed to fostering growth, empowering people, and delivering infrastructure that attracts investment and tourism while creating jobs,” Tan remarks. “During my third State of the City Address, I stood with pride knowing that our vision is now a reality. The projects we once planned are now operational, serving their purpose for the people of Santiago. This transformation is a testament to what we can achieve together with strong leadership and community support.”

CHALLENGES

It was a challenge for the local chief executive to implement some initiatives because of public resistance to the introduction of something new or something big. Despite this, Tan stands firm every time as she sees the potential each of the initiatives has to bring even more progress for the whole city of Santiago.

“Public perception and resistance to change are the biggest challenges. Many people hold on to traditional ways, sometimes reacting negatively to new initiatives. Criticism is inevitable, but I remain steadfast in my decisions, knowing that these changes are for the greater good,” Tan says. “For example, demolishing unsafe public market structures was met with resistance, but I stood firm. Now, we are set to inaugurate a safer, modern facility—proving that difficult decisions lead to progress.”

It is always hard to impose big changes, especially when there would be a halt in some people’s everyday lives, but weighing it in and thinking about the long run, the mayor is set to think that her constituents would understand. After all, focusing on the benefits any change would bring is key for the local chief executive to pursue her goals.

“Leadership requires resilience. I focus on long term benefits and ensure that every project is executed transparently and effectively, proving through results that progress is worth embracing,” Tan declares.

A FAMILY WOMAN “Home is my sanctuary. Time with my family, sharing meals, and enjoying simple moments keep me grounded,” Tan shares.

When the local chief executive is not busy ensuring that the needs of Santiagueños are met, she is home ensuring that the needs of her family are met—she is a loving mother who ensures that the kids are well, and a supportive wife to Isabela 6th District Representative Inno Dy.

“My day begins at home as a mother, ensuring my children’s needs are met, and as a wife, supporting my husband. Simultaneously, I oversee updates from my LGU family, assessing progress on various projects and determining next steps. Each day involves meeting diverse groups, sharing my vision for Santiago’s progress, and listening to the community’s stories and aspirations. Site visits to priority projects ensure we deliver quality results on time,” Tan shares.

“Amidst my schedule, I always check on my kids—Andres in school and Franco at home. Lunch is often a time for discussions with my City Mayor’s Office family, exchanging ideas for the city’s betterment. Evenings are dedicated to my sons, sharing dinner, playing, and tucking them in before attending community wakes to comfort grieving families. Before ending the day, I reflect, plan, and express gratitude for the day’s blessings,” she adds.

 Sharing the mayor’s passion to serve is her congressman-spouse, with whom she regularly talks about their plans for their constituents, congressional district, and city. Their love story, which started during the campaign for the 2019 congressional elections, eventually blossomed into a strong partnership toward ensuring efficient public service to their constituents–she in the Fourth District of Isabela and he  in the Sixth District. After crossing paths during the campaign, they got to know each other better after they both assumed their congressional seat, as they regularly interacted in the halls of Congress. In November 2020, Dy proposed to Tan, to which she said yes. A year later, they got married in Isabela.

 ONWARD, SANTIAGO

Asked what major projects Santiagueños can look forward to as she continues to serve them, Tan replies: “The completion of our 10-hectare sports complex, which will be the venue for the 2025 Cagayan Valley Regional Meet. We look forward to the fully operational and newly completed hospital exclusively for Santiagueños. The upcoming New Lockwell Building and an improved public market will also provide safer and more efficient facilities, boosting business opportunities and strengthening Santiago’s role as Region 2’s commercial hub.”

 Sustained efforts related to tourism, infrastructure, and provision of basic services continue to push Santiago toward progress. To sustain this momentum, the local chief executive continues to dream big for the city. “Progress begins with a vision, one that is resilient, innovative, sustainable, and inclusive. As mayor, I will continue listening to the needs of our people, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring that our city remains on the path of sustainable development,” she adds.

 “To my fellow Santiagueños: our success is built on unity and hard work. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future,” Tan proclaims.

PROGRESS BEGINS WITH A VISION—ONE THAT IS RESILIENT, INNOVATIVE, SUSTAINABLE, AND INCLUSIVE. AS MAYOR, I WILL CONTINUE LISTENING TO THE NEEDS OF OUR PEOPLE, FOSTERING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS, AND ENSURING OUR CITY REMAINS ON THE PATH OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.