Playa del Carmen Empowers 157 Neighborhood Committees

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — In a ceremony reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to democratic and participatory governance, Mayor Estefanía Mercado presided over the swearing-in of 157 new neighborhood committees at the Parque a la Madre’s multipurpose dome in the Bosque Real subdivision. The event underscored the administration’s vision of a government where citizens take center stage.

"The Power of Organized People"

Addressing hundreds of residents, Mayor Mercado stated, “Today, we are not here to give speeches. We are here to recognize what truly matters: the power of organized people.” She emphasized, “In Playa del Carmen, the people govern. And you, the neighborhood committees, are the heart of this transformation.”

Mercado reflected on years of neglect toward community voices, asserting that the committees mark a turning point in local decision-making. She described them as more than participatory structures—they represent the present of participatory democracy and ensure policies are shaped “from the streets and neighborhoods, where the life of our city is truly felt.”

The mayor invoked former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s principle that “the people must always hold the reins of power,” and echoed current President Claudia Sheinbaum’s words: “I am not afraid; I have the people’s support.” Mercado affirmed, “We did not come to pretend; we came to change history. And this change is built with you—with the people’s voice, with the heart of every community.”

Key Achievements and Future Goals

Mercado highlighted her administration’s early accomplishments, including:

• A historic 1.2 billion peso investment in public safety.
• Repaving of key roadways.
• Reclamation of public spaces.
• A shift in economic and tourism models from “All Inclusive” to “Todos Incluidos” (All Included), prioritizing small businesses, fishermen, artisans, and cultural promoters.

Deyanira Martínez, Secretary of Social Justice and Citizen Participation, reported that 279 neighborhood committees have now been established across the municipality, with a focus on marginalized areas and historically neglected zones. “This joint effort between citizens and government strengthens trust, improves accountability, and enhances quality of life in our communities,” she said.

Rusbel Pat Cauich, Director of Citizen Participation, emphasized the committees’ role and pledged ongoing municipal support. The event demonstrated that Playa del Carmen’s transformation “is not decreed—it is built with the people, from the ground up, through collective participation.”

Attendees and Community Leadership

The ceremony included neighborhood leaders such as Gladys López Martínez of Yaxché and Javier Paz of La Libertad, alongside municipal officials:

• Uri Carmona Islas, Council President of the Anti-Corruption, Transparency, and Citizen Participation Commission.
• Eduardo Asencio Martínez, Honorary President of the Municipal DIF.
• Antón Bojórquez, Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Attraction.

The gathering solidified the administration’s pledge to governance rooted in grassroots engagement and transparency.