"Needs-driven expenditures means that you only buy what you need," Belmonte told city hall employees during yesterday flag raising ceremony.
He said the city’s financial success can also be applied by the individuals to enable them to become successful in business and other endeavors.
Belmonte stressed that good financial management must also be complemented by "work values" such as a positive self-image, integrity, advocacy commitment, hard work and the Filipino bayanihan (community) spirit.
Development’s greatest enemy is pessimism, he said, when people stop striving to achieve their goals.
Belmonte gave assurances that the city government, with its financial resources, will provide residents their basic needs and infrastructure to spur development especially in poor neighborhoods. He asked residents, however, to do their share in bringing progress to the city.
Belmonte said the city’s slogan for this year — "Building Today Tomorrow" — highlights the day-to-day teamwork between the city government and the people in promoting progress and development.
"Let us help the city progress," he said.
During yesterday’s flag raising ceremony, Belmonte handed a plaque of appreciation to historian Ambeth Ocampo, the chairman of the National Historical Institute (NHI) for being chosen as one of the 10 most outstanding citizens by Metro Bank Foundation.