03:48and I want to invest on sports and recreation because I want to invest it on the youth of our community.
03:54And probably I would say we were able to do that.
03:58So my administration has been one of the most aggressive in terms of infrastructure development,
04:04I would say, in the modern history of the town.
04:06During my first term, I repaved more than 200 roads, repaired sidewalks, built this new borough hall.
04:16You know, the old borough hall has been there for like 100 years.
04:20I built, renovated close to 20 parts.
04:25So, you know, we were at the height of infrastructure development,
04:29and probably to say we never raised taxes, you know, for our community.
04:33So those are the things that we've done.
04:35But the most I would probably be proud of is the community has ever been more closer.
04:42We've had events bringing all the community together, you know, from different walks of life, different ethnicities.
04:49So I think a lot of people in Burdenfield are saying they've never seen the town like this.
04:54That's why, humbly, I would say, when I run for second term, I was unopposed.
05:00That is wonderful.
05:02Okay, so that was the rail right there, sights and sounds in a regular community like this.
05:06Yeah, well, that is amazing.
05:08That is amazing.
05:09And we can't wait to see what great and pivotal things that you will do for Burdenfield all the way till, I would say, is it 2027?
05:19Yes.
05:19Okay, 2027.
05:21Okay.
05:22Now, this, I think, is the most crucial question.
05:26You know, we are talking about, you know, the American dream.
05:30A Filipino immigrant has become a mayor, a second termer in the United States.
05:36This is, I think, such a marvelous story to tell of inspiration and, as you mentioned earlier, resilience and courage.
05:45To all our Kababayans listening across the world and even those that are still trying to make ends meet back home in the Philippines,
05:57there are many right now struggling and thinking and on the cusp of wanting to start a brave new life somewhere else and staking their claim out there.
06:08What would be your top three words of advice for them?
06:13I would say, be courageous with your dreams.
06:19And I would say, follow the law to your new community.
06:24And number three is, get involved.
06:27That's very important.
06:29You know, because when you get involved, when, you know, a lot of times when you are new to your community, the people around you will make an assumption of who you are.
06:39This is a person coming from this country, from the Philippines.
06:45So they'll make their own assumptions in their mind.
06:47But you have to give them the opportunity to know you.
06:51And you cannot do that if you don't get involved in the community.
06:54So now if they see that the Filipinos are friendly, are hardworking, are determined, and great people, you're not just carrying, you know, your image or your reputation as a person,
07:10but you are giving a service to the Filipino people.
07:14Because they would say, the Filipinos are great people.
07:18I love them.
07:19We welcome them in our community.
07:21Thank you so much, Mayor Arvin, for your words of wisdom and your insight.
07:25I wish Bergenfield more success in the future.
07:28And perhaps we may look forward to a third time, Mayor Arvin.
07:33But thank you so much for sharing your insight and wisdom with us.
07:35We are so grateful for your time and guesting with us and up close all across the miles in the United States.
07:43Thank you also, Sharmes.
07:44And it's been an honor and a pleasure to, you know, to have the conversation with you.
07:51And to all the kababayans, mabuhay po.
07:55Magandang gabi sa inyo lahat.
07:56Thank you so much.
07:57This is Sharm Zespina from the National TV Network for a new and better Philippines.
