Escalante renews vow, commitment to make Cadiz a hub of limitless opportunities

AS he took his oath for his third and final term as top honcho of Cadiz City on Friday, July 4, alongside other winning local officials in the May 12 polls, Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr made another solemn vow as he committed anew to make their city a hub of limitless opportunities.

The mayor, in his inaugural speech, highlighted the city’s growing status as the ” RE (renewable energy) Capital” of Negros Occidental.

Aside from the current 132.5-megawatt (MW) Helios Solar Energy Corporation in Barangay Tinampaan, two more RE companies are soon to nest in Cadiz.

These include the Clean Current Renewable Energy Inc., an energy arm of SM Holdings Inc, and Aboitiz Renewables, Inc.

“The presence of these industry giants affirms our city’s appeal to investors and reflects our readiness to embrace a greener, more sustainable economy,” Escalante said.

“This is a bold step toward securing a better future for the next generation of Cadizen̈os,” he said. “Cadiz is no longer just a place on the map—it is becoming a hub of potential and progress.”

As he  reflected on the city’s journey over the years under his leadership, Escalante  expressed gratitude to all Cadizen̈os who, one once again gave him the mandate to lead their city for another three years.

Escalante became mayor of Cadiz in 2001 to 2019

Then, he moved up to the provincial level as board member of the Second Congressional  District from 2010 to 2019.

In 2019, he ran again as mayor of Cadiz and, this 2025 to 2028, he will be concluding his final term.

“I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude for the trust you have once again bestowed upon me to serve as your mayor,” Escalante told the crowd.

“This is not merely a mandate to lead. Rather, this is a reaffirmation of our shared dreams, our collective aspirations, and our commitment to continue building a Cadiz that is strong, inclusive, and full of promise.”

One by one, Escalante also presented his major accomplishments from 2019 to date that have benefited thousands of his city mates

These included roads, bridges, public buildings, and housing initiatives.

But beyond infrastructure, he also underscored what he termed as the most important investment he has instilled in Cadizen̈os’ minds:  a lasting principle: “A culture of compassion and a mindset for excellence.”

Likewise, Escalante stressed, “Public service isn’t about titles or ambition—it’s about small acts of kindness that make a big difference.”

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson praised Escalante for making Cadiz great beyond expectation, acknowledging, too, the trust given by Cadiz people to his leadership.

“Your time, your energy, your voice, and your vision no longer belong to you alone. They now belong to Cadiz City and the Cadizen̈os,,” Lacson told Escalante as the governor reminisced their “friendship beyond politics”.

Lacson, for the third time, sworn in Escalante (2019, 2022 and 2025) as mayor of Cadiz.

Lacson and Escalante were contemporaries at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in 2010 to 2019 as vice governor and board member, respectively.

Negros Occidental Second District Representative Alfredo Maran̈on III lauded Cadiz for having an astonishing economy under Escalante’s leadership.

Being first-class component city right now is an attestation that Cadiz is doing well – financially and economically, the solon said.*