Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Pharr, Texas, October 19, 2023 – The city of Pharr was excited as it marked the grand kickoff of the 2023-2024 Produce Season on its 10th Anniversary. This monumental event, a decade in the making, represented a significant milestone in the city’s firm commitment to celebrating the richness of fresh produce.
The festivities featured a lineup of speakers and distinguished guests, with Carlos Victor Peña Ortiz, the mayor of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, taking center stage.
Mayor Carlos Victor Peña Ortiz began his address by acknowledging the importance of the Pharr Bridge, a vital artery for perishable exports between Mexico and the United States. He stressed the necessity of continued collaboration to enhance the quality of life on both sides of the border. He extended his gratitude to Pharr’s Mayor, Dr. Ambrosio Hernández, for his transformative leadership, noting the positive changes in the city since his tenure began.
The mayor also took a moment to highlight Texas Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa for his remarkable 36-year-long career in public service. He recognized the considerable impact of Senator Hinojosa and his colleagues on the state of Texas through their legislative efforts.
Expressing his appreciation for the Mexican Consul in McAllen, Licenciado Froylán Yescas, Mayor Peña Ortiz emphasized the consulate’s support during challenging times. He reaffirmed the solidarity between Mexico and its neighbors and pledged ongoing support to the consulate.
Mayor Peña Ortiz didn’t forget to acknowledge the crucial role played by Luis Bazán, the director of the Pharr Bridge, in making the Produce Season and trade relations between the two countries possible. Bazán’s dedication to fostering goodwill and efficient operations at the bridge was recognized with gratitude.
The mayor thanked Licenciado Dámaso Anaya, the Secretary of Rural Development, Fisheries, and Agriculture in Tamaulipas, for his outstanding work improving conditions in Reynosa’s countryside. He emphasized the substantial economic impact of the millions of dollars that flow through the bridge daily, which translates into well-being for Reynosa’s municipality.
Highlighting the ongoing collaboration between Mexican and American federal governments to expand the Pharr Bridge, Mayor Peña Ortiz stressed the importance of creating well-paid jobs and fostering social mobility in the region. He envisioned a future where individuals born in poverty could aspire to prosperity, emphasizing the significance of binational cooperation to achieve this goal.
Mayor Peña Ortiz concluded his speech by emphasizing the family bond between Mexico and the United States, stressing that they are more than neighbors—they are family. He underscored how this relationship is vital in creating well-being conditions on both sides of the border.
In closing, the mayor expressed gratitude to the leadership of Pharr Mayor Dr. Hernández, elected officials, and government representatives on both sides of the border. He reiterated their shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life for their communities and creating a brighter future for all. The event was proof of the benefit of collaboration and unity in achieving common goals, and it left the audience with a renewed sense of hope and purpose for the future of Pharr and its Mexican counterparts.
