The Rotary Balita no. 663 (January 18, 1951).

Mayor Manuel de la Fuente, today's luncheon guest speaker, urged "municipal statesmanship" in meeting common difficulties confronted by the community. His Honor said: "We cannot solve our local problems, which are complex and intricate, by too much partisanship which brings about bickerings, squabbles, suspicions and disunity." After reviewing in a lengthy speech the achievements of the city government during his administration, the Mayor said the handling of city affairs in the face of the present emergency requires strengthening of relations between the government and the governed. He emphasized, however, he would not compromise with those whose intentions are dubious, tending to undermine or "even overthrow the practices of our established institutions." The Mayor informed the Rotarians that the revision of land values started in 1946 will be continued this year. He said that properties assessed at P33-million last year are now assessed at P50-million or an increase of more than P17-million to yield an expected return of P257-million in taxes. He added that the assessed value of taxable land in the city may be increased by P 40-million this year, representing an additional revenue of about P600,000. The Mayor also gave Rotary a comprehensive report on his administration, covering city finances, land assessment, auditing, public works, improvements, public health, sanitation, education, peace and order, boys town, and slums. Heads of various city government departments led by Vice-Mayor Cesar Miraflor were among the city officials accompanying the Mayor as Rotary's guests.