Infrastructure investment, education, healthcare, economic development, culture, social inclusion, transparency and international cooperation defined the municipal administration launched in November 2021. The five-year term delivered more than 250 public works, improvements to over 100 streets through paving, investments benefiting every public school in the city, thousands of beneficiaries of social and vocational training programs, and a comprehensive institutional modernization agenda designed to support Pilar’s long-term development.
PILAR, PARAGUAY. — After five years leading the Municipality of Pilar, Fernando Ramírez concludes his administration with a record of significant investment in public infrastructure, expanded municipal services, strengthened social and educational policies, economic development initiatives and the implementation of institutional modernization and transparency mechanisms.
Ramírez assumed office in November 2021, becoming the youngest mayor in the history of Pilar, the capital of Paraguay’s Ñeembucú Department. From the beginning of his administration, he pursued a development agenda combining urban infrastructure, public space revitalization, social programs, workforce development, productive sector support and stronger cooperation with national and international institutions.
One of the administration’s most significant indicators is the completion of more than 250 public works projects across different neighborhoods and rural communities. Investments ranged from road improvements and public space rehabilitation to the construction and renovation of educational, sports, cultural and municipal facilities.
Alongside physical infrastructure, the administration implemented an institutional modernization process that included digital public services, updated municipal regulations, stronger internal controls, urban planning instruments and expanded mechanisms for citizen participation and public accountability.
The administration also prioritized international cooperation and institutional partnerships, mobilizing technical assistance, specialized expertise and resources from international organizations while supporting major national and regional infrastructure initiatives.
More Than 250 Public Works and the Transformation of Public Spaces
Urban infrastructure was one of the central pillars of Ramírez’s administration. More than 250 public works projects were completed during the five-year period, including the construction of Pilar’s first Municipal Cultural Center and Amphitheater, the Municipal Commercial Promenade, and improvements to 22 public parks and recreational spaces.
Investment in public spaces reached neighborhoods throughout the city. Among the main projects were the Thematic Water Plaza, the plaza surrounding the Municipal Cultural Center, Heroes’ Plaza in the 12 de Octubre neighborhood, San Alfonso Plaza, A. Dos Santos Plaza at the former Mercado Centenario, San Lorenzo Plaza, Sofía Mendoza Plaza and José María Argaña Plaza, both located in the San José neighborhood.
Additional improvements were carried out in public spaces in the neighborhoods of 15 de Mayo, Del Este, San Rafael, San Isidro, Guaraní, Mbocayaty, Villa Paso, San Quintín, Colinas, Aurora, Ytororó, San Roque and San Antonio, as well as in the Ecological Park.
These interventions went beyond physical renovation. The Municipality promoted urban beautification initiatives and community activities designed to recover Pilar’s identity, improve the city’s appearance and create new public spaces for families.
Projects included themed promenades featuring decorative lanterns and umbrellas, murals inspired by local fish species and wetlands — some created with the participation of hundreds of children — and large-scale sculptures representing elements of Paraguayan and local identity, including a bicycle, the Paraguayan harp and a guitar.
The administration also carried out special lighting and restoration initiatives involving more than 40 colonial houses in the Historic Center, as well as Mariscal López and Heroes’ Squares, particularly during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
These initiatives were complemented by a heritage preservation policy. For the first time, the Municipality implemented the tax incentive established under Municipal Ordinance No. 107/2025, granting property tax exemptions to buildings officially recognized as heritage assets, encouraging their conservation, maintenance and restoration.
Positioning Pilar as a Tourism Destination and Expanding Local Experiences
Tourism promotion became another important component of the city’s development strategy. To strengthen Pilar’s identity as a destination, the Municipality registered the city brand «Pilar, the Authentic Pearl of the South» and developed new tourism information and promotional tools.
Key initiatives included the Digital Tourism Map of Pilar and the «Visit Pilar» Tourism Guide, made available through QR codes installed at tourism attractions and points of interest. The guide was developed in Spanish, English and Japanese, improving access to information for domestic and international visitors.
The Municipality also supported birdwatching activities, taking advantage of the region’s natural wealth and the Ñeembucú wetlands.
In partnership with the National University of Pilar, efforts were made to generate tourism-related information and strengthen evidence-based planning, including the development of a Tourism Observatory initiative to improve data availability and support decision-making.
The city’s tourism offering was diversified through experiences connected to historical heritage, nature, the river and sustainable mobility. These included the Historical Walk, Bike Tour, boat excursions, Green Tour, Jeep Tour, Motorcycle Tour and other activities developed in partnership with local entrepreneurs and tourism service providers.
An annual calendar of activities, with particular emphasis on October and other key tourism periods, supported this promotional strategy.
The Municipality also organized free international boat crossings between Pilar, Paraguay, and Colonia Cano, Argentina, seeking to facilitate connections between the two communities, encourage tourism and stimulate local commercial activity.
Together, these initiatives combined destination marketing, support for local businesses, heritage preservation, natural resource development and the creation of new experiences for visitors.
Education: Investment in Every Public School and More Than 4,500 Training Participants
Education was among the areas receiving the most substantial municipal investment.
During the administration, more than 30 construction and renovation projects were completed in educational institutions, reaching 100% of the public schools and educational institutions benefiting from municipal investment.
Projects included new classrooms and school buildings, kitchens and dining facilities, bathrooms, perimeter fencing, spectator stands, early childhood facilities, sports courts and general building improvements.
Investments reached both urban schools and educational institutions in rural communities, improving learning conditions and supporting student and teacher retention.
Beneficiary institutions included the Regional Educational Center of Pilar (CREP), San Alfonso School, República Oriental del Uruguay School, Carlos Miguel Jiménez School, San Filippo Smaldone School, Defensores del Chaco School, Don Bernabé Medina School, Simeón Bordón School, San Ramón School, Juan Pablo II School, San Miguel School, San Gerardo School, Santa María Magdalena School, San José Artesano School, San Blas School and San Francisco School.
Other beneficiaries included Santo Tomás School, Juan XXIII School, San Lorenzo School, the National School of Pilar and the National School of Medina, as well as the 12-20 Basic Education Center for Youth and Adults and the Municipal Open Education Center.
The administration’s commitment to education extended beyond infrastructure. The Municipality developed a sustained vocational training and workforce development strategy, delivering more than 150 courses and training programs to over 4,500 participants.
Programs were implemented at the Municipal Open Education Center and other locations, in partnership with Paraguay’s National Professional Promotion Service (SNPP), the National System for Training and Professional Development (SINAFOCAL), the National Youth Secretariat, the National University of Pilar and other institutions.
Training opportunities covered technology, information and communication technologies, electricity, refrigeration, construction, manufacturing, production, administration, customer service, entrepreneurship, gastronomy, arts, personal development and other professional fields.
Courses included robotics, programming, computer skills, basic and financial Excel, social media management, web design, residential electricity, refrigeration and air-conditioning installation and repair, plumbing, masonry, welding, industrial sewing, mobile phone repair, motorcycle maintenance, livestock production and industrial safety.
The program also offered gastronomy, cooking, pastry-making, traditional baking, Paraguayan cuisine, Paraguayan and Korean confectionery, pizza production, sweet and savory snacks, table protocol and waiter training.
Arts and creative activities included music, singing, handicrafts, painting, manual arts and Korean culture.
Additional courses focused on elderly care, cosmetology, makeup and women’s self-defense.
The Municipality also provided academic support classes in Mathematics and Spanish and Guaraní Language and Literature.
Through the Municipal Language Center, 1,670 children, young people and adults participated in English, Guaraní, Portuguese and Italian courses. Professional competency certification was also promoted in partnership with SINAFOCAL.
These programs positioned workforce development as a complementary pillar of the municipal education strategy, expanding access to professional skills, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.
Between 2021 and 2024, the Municipality also provided school meals annually to more than 250 children attending Juan Pablo II School, San Blas School, Virgen de Fátima School in Camba Cuá and José de Jesús Servín School in Valle Apuá.
Free school transportation was also provided to students with disabilities attending San José School, the Antolina Lombardi de Jara Center and the Comprehensive Training Center for Blind Persons in the San Vicente neighborhood.
More Than 100 Paved Streets and 50 Additional Streets Improved
Urban mobility and road infrastructure were another major focus of municipal investment.
During the administration, the Municipality financed paving works on more than 100 city blocks and gravel improvements on an additional 50 blocks, prioritizing neighborhoods and areas located farther from the city center.
These investments sought to improve road conditions, facilitate daily mobility and strengthen connectivity between residential neighborhoods, educational institutions and public services.
Road improvements were particularly important in a city that faces significant mobility challenges during periods of heavy rainfall. Combining paving and gravel road improvements allowed the Municipality to address different infrastructure needs across the district.
At the same time, the administration actively supported the implementation of the Pilar Flood Protection System, working alongside the National Government and the institutions responsible for its different phases.
The Municipality also supported social housing initiatives led by the Ministry of Urban Planning, Housing and Habitat and the Ñeembucú Departmental Government, as well as the process of upgrading the local Carlos Miguel Jiménez Airport to international airport status, upon request.
Another strategic initiative was the proposed international bridge connecting Pilar, Paraguay, with Colonia Cano, Argentina.
Through institutional efforts, the project secured US$1.5 million in non-reimbursable technical cooperation from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), intended to finance pre-feasibility studies for the proposed international connection.
The administration also supported negotiations between the Government of Paraguay and Japan for financing the Southwest Corridor, corresponding to the Pilar-Yabebyry road, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
These initiatives form part of a broader development vision focused on improving territorial connectivity, strengthening regional integration and creating new economic and commercial opportunities for Pilar and the Ñeembucú Department.
Strategic Planning and International Cooperation: Projects Designed to Extend Beyond the Administration
One of the distinguishing features of the administration was the incorporation of strategic planning and international technical cooperation as instruments for local development.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on immediate infrastructure execution, the Municipality promoted studies, strategic plans, assessments and technical tools designed to guide future investment and strengthen institutional capacity.
With support from the European Union, the Municipality developed the Sustainable Municipal Development Plan for Pilar, a strategic planning instrument intended to establish priorities and guide local public policies.
With support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Municipality developed the Sustainable Multipurpose Cadastre Guide, the Historic Center Revitalization Plan for Pilar and the Urban Planning Regulations for Paraguayan Cities.
Cooperation with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) supported studies on cross-border territorial connectivity for the Pilar-Colonia Cano bridge, the proposed Bicycle Lane Network for Pilar and the Sustainable Urban Mobility and Electric Vehicles Roadmap.
The United States Peace Corps supported the development of Pilar’s proposed Climate Action Plan, while the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported a census designed to strengthen Pilar’s garment and clothing manufacturing sector.
These initiatives generated technical information and specialized knowledge in urban development, mobility, connectivity, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, economic development and long-term planning.
International cooperation also translated into direct technical support for the Municipality. During the administration, an International Advisory Team was established, bringing together more than ten volunteer professionals from JICA, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) and the United States Peace Corps.
The team provided specialized advice and technical support to different municipal departments, strengthening institutional capabilities without generating additional expenditure for the municipal budget.
Digital Transformation and Institutional Reform
Administrative modernization was another central pillar of the administration.
The Municipality advanced the adoption of digital tools to simplify procedures, improve taxpayer services and strengthen transparency and traceability across administrative processes.
One of the most important initiatives was the implementation of the Digital Document Management and Administrative Procedures Platform, allowing citizens to submit, consult and track administrative files electronically.
Since November 2021, the Municipality had registered 5,383 external administrative files processed through conventional procedures. Following the implementation of the digital platform in June 2026, more than 1,000 additional files were processed electronically.
Digitalization reduced paper consumption, facilitated document tracking and helped improve institutional response times.
QR codes were also incorporated into official municipal receipts and documents, allowing users to verify their authenticity and strengthening administrative security.
The administration promoted open innovation initiatives, including hackathons designed to develop technological solutions to address concrete challenges facing the community.
Another important initiative was the establishment of the Pilar Information Access Center (CAI), which will operate at Radio Carlos Antonio López (ZP12).
The project is being developed through cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Korea, through its National Information Society Agency (NIA), Paraguay’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC) and the Municipality of Pilar.
The center is designed to promote digital transformation and provide training in information and communication technologies. It will feature more than 40 state-of-the-art computers, including five supercomputers, virtual reality systems, videoconferencing facilities and artificial intelligence tools.
The facility will support courses, workshops, training programs and projects related to software development, robotics and innovation, strengthening digital skills and technological talent within the community.
These initiatives formed part of a broader institutional reform process that, in coordination with the Municipal Council, led to the approval of the Municipal Modernization and Institutional Reform Plan.
The reform package included approval of the Sustainable Development Plan, implementation of the digital administrative procedures system, adoption of Paraguay’s Standard Internal Control Model (MECIP) and establishment of the Secretariat for Transparency, Integrity and Anti-Corruption.
It also introduced regulatory updates covering solid waste management, the organization of the new municipal cemetery, historical heritage protection, tax incentives for heritage properties, municipal land leasing, subdivision and urban development requirements, accessible sidewalks, visual pollution, overhead wiring and responsible animal ownership.
The overall objective was to strengthen institutional capacity, legal certainty, internal controls, service quality and the regulatory conditions necessary to attract investment and promote orderly urban growth.
A Portfolio of Strategic Projects for Pilar’s Future
In addition to the public works already completed, the administration prepared and advanced preliminary designs and executive engineering projects, including technical specifications, quantity calculations and budgets, for future procurement and construction.
These initiatives include a modern Municipal Slaughterhouse, a Recycling Center at the Sanitary Landfill, civil works for the new Municipal Cemetery and a Family Health Unit in the San Miguel neighborhood.
Technical projects were also prepared for additional streets to be paved.
The preparation of these documents is intended to facilitate the continuity of public investment by leaving future administrations with technical studies and planning tools that can support subsequent procurement and implementation processes.
The new Municipal Cemetery represents one of the administration’s most significant long-term initiatives. Using municipal resources, the Municipality acquired a new property of almost ten hectares, with an estimated operational capacity of at least 100 years, addressing a longstanding challenge related to cemetery space availability.
Culture: Major Festivals and the Revival of Local Traditions
Culture and local identity gained particular prominence during the administration.
The Municipality promoted large-scale cultural events, revived traditional celebrations and expanded artistic training opportunities for children, young people and older adults.
Among the main events were the annual Festival Honoring the Nation and Mothers and the «Pilar Vive» Festival, which attracted an estimated audience of more than 20,000 people per night, positioning Pilar as an important cultural destination in Paraguay.
The festivals featured nationally and internationally recognized performers, including Los Auténticos Decadentes, Los Rancheros, Bahiano, Kchiporros, Marilina, Tierra Adentro and Néstor Lo y Los Caminantes.
Other performers included Daniel Cardozo, Carlos Montalvo, Deiner Bayona, Chiche Muriel and numerous musical groups from across Paraguay.
Local artists and performers also participated, strengthening the visibility of Pilar’s cultural talent. All these municipal cultural events were offered free of charge to the public.
Another initiative that became firmly established was «Viernes Culturales» (Cultural Fridays), with 121 editions organized and an estimated total attendance of more than 7,500 residents.
The Municipality also organized an annual festival honoring Carlos Miguel Jiménez, the renowned poet from Pilar and an important figure in the city’s cultural identity.
The Municipal Dance School maintained an average enrollment of 150 students, becoming a permanent artistic training space for children and young people.
The Municipality also supported guitar courses, artistic delegations, children’s groups and dance ensembles for older adults.
Traditional cultural institutions such as the Cabildo Museum and the House of Culture received improvements, including enhanced lighting and facility upgrades.
In partnership with the Paraguayan Red Cross, the Municipality established the Teresa Núñez Community Center through the restoration of a heritage building intended for educational, social and cultural activities.
The administration also restored sculptures created by local artist Ramón Vázquez, known as RAVAZ, which contribute to Pilar’s urban landscape, and promoted new children’s art initiatives in collaboration with the organization Mapa Abriendo Caminos.
In the Obrero neighborhood, the traditional carnival was revived after several decades, restoring a community event combining music, art and local participation.
Additionally, in coordination with the Ñeembucú Departmental Government, the administration secured the rights in 2026 to restore the essence of the traditional Fiesta Hawaiana, scheduled for January 2027.
Sports: Infrastructure, Municipal Sports Schools and Support for Local Clubs
Sports development was another area of sustained municipal investment.
The Municipality installed four semi-automatic irrigation systems at General Díaz, Capitán Bado, Tres Corrales and América sports clubs, helping improve the maintenance of their playing fields.
A multi-sport court was also built at General Díaz Club, while 1 de Mayo Club received new sports equipment.
At the Roberto Cabañas Municipal Sports Complex, the swimming pool area underwent renovation, enabling Pilar to host the National Swimming Schools Tournament for the first time.
The event was organized by the Paraguayan Federation of Aquatic Sports (FEPADA), in coordination with the Parents’ Committee of the Municipal Swimming School.
More than 600 students participated annually in municipal swimming, basketball and football schools. The football program also offered weekly training opportunities and facilitated talent identification by clubs based in Paraguay’s capital.
The Municipality distributed more than 400 footballs, basketballs, volleyballs and handballs to educational institutions, as well as 1,150 sports uniforms to clubs affiliated with the Pilar Football League.
It also supported local basketball, handball and men’s and women’s football teams, together with fishing tournaments, cross-country rallies, motocross, velocross and adventure sports events.
Interinstitutional cooperation also delivered major improvements to the Roberto Cabañas Municipal Sports Complex.
The Yacyretá Binational Entity (EBY) financed the complete roofing of the sports coliseum and the installation of LED lighting, while the Ñeembucú Departmental Government carried out extensive interior and exterior renovations.
The Municipality contributed by fully air-conditioning the Events Hall, maintaining the coliseum’s parquet flooring and equipping the changing rooms with air-conditioning units and furniture.
Healthcare and Social Development: Specialized Services and Support for Families
In healthcare, the Municipality maintained a policy of cooperation with the local health system, allocating resources to the Local Health Council and supporting different initiatives to expand access to medical services.
Among the main actions was the annual financial contribution to support daily meals for more than 100 people at the Pilar Regional Hospital, including patients and healthcare personnel.
The Municipality also supported renovations at the Regional Hospital and provided medical supplies to the district’s eight Family Health Units.
Through an agreement with the Diocese of Misiones and Ñeembucú, the Municipality secured land in the San Miguel neighborhood for the future construction of a Family Health Unit, expanding the potential availability of primary healthcare services in that part of the city.
One of the most significant outcomes of international cooperation was the acquisition of a donation of five ambulances for the community, secured through direct engagement with the Paraguayan Embassy in Japan.
Through an agreement with the Yacyretá Binational Entity, more than 430 free patient transfers were provided to hospitals in Argentina, facilitating access to medical services outside Paraguay.
Specialized healthcare programs also achieved significant results.
Through a partnership with Fundación Visión, 5,268 people received ophthalmological services and more than 550 underwent cataract surgery. An additional 214 people received otolaryngology services.
The «Muni en tu Barrio» (Municipality in Your Neighborhood) program registered 1,149 participants and provided preventive dental care to residents who required it.
In social assistance, 1,251 people received financial support during critical situations, representing a municipal investment of G. 325,122,500.
Most of these resources were directed toward vulnerable individuals and older adults.
As part of this policy, the Mayor’s Office established a dedicated Secretariat for Older Adults.
The Municipality also distributed 3,371 items of winter clothing through seasonal assistance campaigns, supporting families and individuals facing difficult living conditions.
Child Protection and Early Childhood Development
The protection of children and adolescents was another sustained priority of the administration, combining prevention, social assistance, recreational opportunities and comprehensive development programs.
In coordination with Paraguay’s Ministry of Children and Adolescents, the Municipality established an Abrazo Program Care Center, where more than 70 children receive meals and participate in educational and social activities while their parents receive financial transfers through the program.
A Children’s Learning and Recreation Center was also inaugurated at San Lorenzo Plaza, receiving children on more than 1,770 occasions and promoting play and learning as essential tools for childhood development.
The Municipal Play Center, located at the city’s Bus Terminal, was used by more than 500 children from the surrounding area and by young passengers traveling to other parts of Paraguay and the department.
As part of its early childhood development policy, the Municipality provided land for the construction of the «Semillas del Futuro» Comprehensive Early Childhood Care Center (CAIPI), implemented by the National Government.
Recreational initiatives also reached thousands of children.
More than 5,000 children participated in the Municipality’s Children’s Day celebrations, while 250 children took part in summer and winter vacation programs, including activities focused on environmental awareness.
Three rural communities — Camba Cuá, Valle Apuá and Medina — also hosted Three Kings’ Day celebrations.
Regarding child protection, the Municipal Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (CODENI) handled 290 cases between 2021 and July 2026, referring situations to specialized institutions when necessary.
The Municipality also issued 160 warnings concerning minor violations of children’s rights, accompanied by technical follow-up and guidance for parents or guardians.
Additionally, 20 prevention workshops reached 1,236 participants, addressing children’s rights, prevention of sexual abuse, bullying, emotional health, positive parenting and comprehensive child development.
Inclusion and Accessibility: Building a City with Opportunities for Everyone
The inclusion of persons with disabilities and the reduction of physical and administrative barriers were incorporated into the Municipality’s public policies.
Training workshops, awareness campaigns and educational activities were developed to strengthen social inclusion and promote more accessible public services.
In support of children and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the Municipality granted land under a usufruct arrangement to the Pilar Equine Therapy Association for the planned development of an Equine Therapy Center.
The administration also established a Municipal Swimming School for neurodivergent children.
One of the important innovations was the introduction of preferential service and priority access for people with ASD and their companions at municipal facilities, accompanied by awareness campaigns and staff training.
In terms of physical accessibility, inclusive access facilities were built at the Municipal Cultural Center and at Mariscal López and Heroes’ Squares.
With support from Fundación Solidaridad and Fundación Jesús Responde, wheelchairs were also distributed to more than 30 people.
Regarding women’s protection and economic autonomy, the Municipal Women’s Secretariat developed initiatives focused on training, economic independence, entrepreneurship, violence prevention and institutional support for women in vulnerable situations.
These initiatives were implemented in coordination with municipal departments, SNPP, SINAFOCAL, academic institutions and civil society organizations.
In 2026, the PREVIM Coordination Committee was established and training sessions were conducted for its members, strengthening interinstitutional coordination in prevention efforts.
As part of its broader protection policy, the Municipality also provided land for the construction of a Women’s Police Station, a project under the responsibility of the Ñeembucú Departmental Government.
Economic Development: Supporting Entrepreneurs and Expanding Commercial Activity
Strengthening entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and local business development became one of the Municipality’s main economic development priorities.
With support from Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), the Municipality established the Business Development Center (CDE), equipped with modern computers, furniture, coworking facilities and a meeting room.
The center was designed to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen business management capabilities and support local enterprises at different stages of development.
Between 2023 and July 2026, the CDE conducted 171 activities, reaching 5,027 beneficiaries.
These included 30 entrepreneurship fairs involving 459 participants; 69 training sessions, workshops, seminars and discussion events with 2,754 participants; 26 consulting services; and 46 additional projects, external training activities and support initiatives.
One of the center’s most innovative initiatives was «Pilar Emprende», a municipal seed capital competition financed through resources generated by the Commercial License Tax.
The first edition took place in 2025, followed by a second edition in 2026.
The program incorporated preparatory training in the Business Model Canvas, business plan development, pitch preparation, digitalization and presentation skills before participants submitted their proposals to an evaluation panel.
Business support was also strengthened through a Triple Helix partnership involving the Municipality of Pilar, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, faculties of the National University of Pilar, the Ñeembucú Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services and the Youth Chamber of Commerce.
The initiatives covered financial education, business formalization, MSME registration, intellectual property, public procurement, handicraft exports, digital tools, Google Maps business visibility and support for entrepreneurs participating in local fairs.
The results were also reflected in the growth of registered commercial activity.
During the five-year administration, the number of active businesses holding municipal commercial licenses increased from 2,340 to 2,875, representing 535 additional registered businesses.
The development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, professional training and business formalization helped create better conditions for private sector growth and new economic opportunities in Pilar.
Supporting Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Production
The Municipality also implemented a policy of support for the productive sector, particularly families and small producers in the rural communities surrounding Pilar.
In coordination with national and departmental governments, more than 350 families from Medina, Valle Apuá, Camba Cuá and Yataity received annual municipal assistance for land preparation for black oat, vegetables and other agricultural crops.
Support also extended to livestock producers, particularly through soil preparation for forage production and grazing pasture.
Over the five-year administration, more than 1,800 hectares were worked using agricultural machinery mobilized through municipal efforts.
In 2023 and 2025, more than 42,000 kilograms of black oat seeds were distributed to local producers.
The Municipality also supported approximately 120 brickmakers through the provision of protective tarpaulins and annual clay extraction services using heavy machinery, helping sustain local brick production.
Regarding animal health, between 2025 and July 2026, 90 cattle and sheep samples belonging to ten producers were analyzed, generating diagnoses and recommendations to improve animal health and production conditions.
Technical assistance and training on fertilizer use were also provided to members of the Association of Small and Medium-Sized Livestock Producers of Ñeembucú.
The annual Watermelon Competition was organized to promote cultivation, commercialization and consumption of locally produced seasonal fruit.
During periods of drought, the Municipality distributed more than 1,100 pipes for the construction of artesian wells, benefiting 550 families.
More than 250 excavation and deepening works were also carried out on rural water reservoirs.
These initiatives supported agricultural, livestock and brickmaking activities, addressing challenges related to soil preparation, water availability, animal health and productive continuity.
Traffic Management, Road Safety and Improved Urban Services
The modernization of municipal services also extended to traffic management, road safety and citizen services.
More than 900 vertical and horizontal traffic signs were installed throughout the city.
The Municipality also operates a Camera Monitoring Center through an agreement with the Ñeembucú Departmental Government.
Municipal traffic officers were equipped with body cameras, a measure designed to strengthen transparency and accountability during enforcement procedures.
In terms of digital public services, Pilar became one of the first municipalities to implement digital vehicle registration and QR-controlled driver’s license printing, allowing citizens to renew their licenses without having to complete the entire process in person.
An automated self-payment system was also introduced at the Bus Terminal, facilitating and accelerating municipal procedures.
These initiatives were complemented by road safety education programs in schools, colleges and other institutions, as well as stronger examination procedures for first-time driver’s license applicants.
Regarding public safety, the Municipality provided land to the National Police for the construction of the Sgto. Aydte. José Merlo Saravia Police College, Branch No. 8, implemented by the Ñeembucú Departmental Government.
The administration also strengthened cleaning and urban maintenance services.
The number of municipal employees responsible for street and public space cleaning doubled.
Additionally, the Municipality purchased a brand-new John Deere motor grader, motorized utility carts and patrol motorcycles using municipal funds, strengthening its operational capacity for waste collection, cleaning and daily city maintenance.
Animal Welfare and Environmental Management
Environmental management was addressed through education, recycling, reforestation, public space maintenance, waste management and animal protection initiatives.
In animal welfare, the Municipality worked in coordination with the Ministry of Health, the National Directorate of Animal Welfare, civil society organizations and veterinary professionals.
During the administration, 854 vaccinations and 848 sterilization procedures were performed, in addition to 375 samples collected for leishmaniasis testing.
A total of 765 animal welfare complaints were received, of which 327 were resolved and 64 were referred to judicial proceedings.
The Municipality also organized responsible pet adoption fairs, annual pet parades and educational workshops on responsible animal ownership in 16 educational institutions, reaching 2,331 participants.
These initiatives were complemented by the approval of a new municipal ordinance promoting responsible animal ownership, incorporated into the Municipal Modernization Plan.
Environmental education was another important component of the administration’s strategy.
More than 7,536 seedlings were distributed in coordination with the National Forestry Institute (INFONA), while 8,586 flowers were planted in different areas of the city.
The Municipality also organized 185 environmental awareness workshops, reaching more than 4,836 children, young people and adults, alongside 25 community environmental clean-up campaigns and numerous riverbank and river cleaning activities.
Two recycling collection points were established in partnership with the organization Soluciones Ecológicas, supporting the collection of cardboard, glass, paper and plastic.
Other initiatives included Ecocines, Zero Waste, Green Certificate, EcoClub and EcoSchools, all designed to promote environmental awareness, recycling and community participation.
One of the reuse initiatives involved producing wooden tables and benches from fallen trees, which were then used to equip municipal facilities, parks and public spaces, including the Bus Terminal and Municipal Shopping Center.
The «Pilar on Bikes» campaign also formed part of the environmental and sustainable mobility agenda, encouraging students to use bicycles as a means of transportation.
The administration also strengthened environmental management at municipal facilities.
The Municipal Slaughterhouse, Sanitary Landfill and new Municipal Cemetery hold valid environmental impact licenses.
At the Municipal Slaughterhouse, a partnership with Huerta Yataity established a system for the treatment and sustainable management of organic waste generated by cattle slaughter.
Through controlled composting and vermiculture processes, organic waste is transformed into agricultural bio-inputs.
The slaughterhouse also incorporated a veterinarian responsible for preventive health controls, animal inspections before and after slaughter, disease detection and the supervision of hygiene and biosecurity conditions, helping protect public health and ensure the safety of meat supplied for consumption.
Periodic fumigation, reforestation and maintenance activities were also carried out at the facility, including the maintenance of more than 2,000 citronella eucalyptus seedlings and other aromatic plants used as windbreaks and as complementary measures for vector control.
Another circular economy initiative was implemented through a partnership with Mil Sabores S.A. and its Corporate Social Responsibility program.
The project facilitated the transportation of end-of-life tires to a recycling plant, where they were transformed into recycled rubber tiles for subsequent use in public spaces.
The Municipality also strengthened the identification of waste collectors through official identification cards and marked collection vehicles.
Citizen Services and Climate Risk Prevention
Citizen complaints and service requests were managed, among other channels, through the Municipal Citizen Assistance Center, known as «WhatsApp Ciudadano».
Through this service, 7,914 complaints were registered and addressed, involving illegal garbage burning, overgrown properties, wastewater, animal ownership, waste accumulation, noise pollution and other issues affecting urban cleanliness and community life.
This mechanism strengthened communication between residents and municipal departments, facilitating the registration, referral and follow-up of citizen complaints.
Regarding climate risk prevention, the Municipality implemented an Interinstitutional Environmental Prevention and Mitigation Plan in preparation for the possible effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon.
The initiative involved coordination with national government institutions, the Yacyretá Binational Entity and the Ñeembucú Departmental Government.
With the support of the District Council for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, the Municipality developed a Municipal Contingency Plan for Pilar.
Preventive cleaning and maintenance of stormwater drainage channels were also carried out in different parts of the city, using heavy machinery and municipal personnel.
These interventions aimed to improve the city’s drainage capacity and reduce risks associated with intense rainfall.
The administration emphasized preventive planning and interinstitutional coordination, considering Pilar’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and flooding.
Strengthening Human Resources and Municipal Institutional Capacity
Institutional modernization also involved organizational changes and improvements in municipal human resource management.
During the administration, organizational restructuring was implemented to improve institutional efficiency and the quality of municipal services.
The process included a reduction in the total number of employees inherited from 2021 and in administrative and office personnel, prioritizing human resources for essential municipal services, particularly urban cleaning, city maintenance and operational responsibilities.
As of September 2026, the Municipality had 74 permanent employees, 61 contracted technical professionals, 144 daily-wage workers and five seconded employees, for a total workforce of 284 people.
The administration also updated the institutional organizational chart, employee records and job descriptions, while progressively implementing Paraguay’s Integrated Administrative Career System (SICCA).
Biometric attendance monitoring was expanded, strengthening controls over attendance, punctuality and compliance with working hours.
Administrative disciplinary proceedings were conducted when appropriate, establishing administrative responsibilities and corresponding sanctions.
Following the entry into force of Law No. 7445/2025, the Municipality also adapted employment contracts, resolutions, records and internal procedures to the new public service regulations.
These measures formed part of a broader effort to strengthen institutional organization, improve human resource management and reinforce accountability across municipal departments.
Financial Administration, Internal Controls and Transparency
Transparency and public accountability were among the defining characteristics of Ramírez’s administration.
One of the practices implemented was the daily publication of municipal revenue, together with quarterly expenditure reporting through public accountability sessions.
The Municipality also prepared quarterly accounting, administrative and financial reports for the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, in accordance with institutional reporting procedures.
A policy of fiscal austerity and expenditure rationalization was promoted to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of public spending.
During the administration, the Municipality also addressed historical debts inherited from previous municipal governments involving public institutions and service providers, including the National Electricity Administration (ANDE), the Paraguayan Sanitary Services Company (ESSAP) and the Paraguayan Organization for Intermunicipal Cooperation (OPACI).
Internal controls were strengthened through ongoing internal audit reviews of major supplier payments, verifying compliance with applicable legal, administrative, budgetary and documentary requirements.
One of the most significant institutional advances was the implementation of Paraguay’s Standard Internal Control Model (MECIP).
According to the administration’s management report, in 2026 the Municipality of Pilar achieved the highest score among public institutions in the Ñeembucú Department.
The Municipality also strengthened its Transparency and Anti-Corruption Unit through the development and monitoring of Annual Public Transparency and Integrity Plans.
Pilar was among only 26 municipalities out of Paraguay’s 256 districts that completed and submitted the plan in full.
Quarterly public hearings held in different parts of the city complemented this approach, bringing accountability mechanisms closer to neighborhoods and strengthening citizen participation.
Cadastre and Territorial Planning: Better Information and Greater Legal Certainty
Updating cadastral information and strengthening territorial planning were additional components of the Municipality’s modernization process.
During the administration, the Municipality updated its cadastral database, cartography and property ownership records, generating more reliable information for urban planning, tax administration and public decision-making.
Among the main reported results were the registration of 3,500 new land subdivisions, the formalization of 450 leasing procedures and contracts, cadastral updates involving 1,600 buildings and technical surveys of 900 plots of land.
The city’s urban boundaries were also reviewed and adjusted to reflect the evolution and consolidation of urban growth.
The work included topographic surveys, design and land subdivision for the new Municipal Cemetery, as well as stronger monitoring and management of municipal real estate assets.
During 2025 and 2026, land inspections and enforcement activities were intensified.
The Municipality conducted 203 technical land inspections and issued 950 notifications to tenants of municipal properties, seeking to update records and regularize outstanding situations.
Private construction inspections were also conducted to facilitate the corresponding municipal approval of building plans.
Random inspections of hygiene, sanitation and expired products were carried out in commercial and food service establishments.
Regarding public land recovery, the Municipality recovered a section of the Roberto Cabañas Municipal Sports Complex that had been under irregular occupation, as well as areas of cemetery land subsequently used for community columbariums and a property adjacent to the Unknown Soldier Plaza, allowing its expansion.
These initiatives sought to strengthen municipal asset management, improve legal certainty and support more orderly urban development.
Municipal Revenue and Tools to Strengthen Tax Compliance
Strengthening municipal revenue was another important administrative challenge, particularly in a context where tax delinquency remains a significant obstacle to municipal finances.
To facilitate tax compliance, the Municipality introduced technological tools allowing payments through mobile phones and digital applications.
Personalized taxpayer services were also strengthened, together with preventive coordination between municipal departments and procedures for notifications and follow-up of outstanding obligations.
The Municipality implemented installment payment arrangements, payment commitments and debt regularization mechanisms, providing taxpayers with additional options to meet their obligations while strengthening the institution’s own-source revenue.
The strategy sought to combine easier access to payment mechanisms with more organized and effective administrative procedures.
International Recognition and the Global Visibility of Pilar’s Municipal Experience
The administration’s institutional achievements and innovation initiatives also received international recognition.
Fernando Ramírez was selected by the Local Innovation Network (RIL) as one of the 30 most innovative mayors in Latin America, recognizing public sector innovation and local government management experiences across the region.
He was also selected to share Pilar’s municipal experience through international events, seminars, conferences, forums and training programs.
These engagements took place in Denver and San Diego in the United States; Taipei, Taiwan; Kfar Saba, Israel; Bogotá, Barranquilla and Cali in Colombia; Santiago, Chile; Ushuaia, Argentina; Panama City, Panama; and Montevideo, Uruguay.
According to the management report, these international engagements were financed by the organizing institutions, at no cost to the Municipality or Pilar’s taxpayers.
The international visibility of Pilar’s experience provided opportunities to share initiatives involving public innovation, urban development, international cooperation, strategic planning and local government modernization.
An Administration Leaving Behind Infrastructure, Institutional Capacity and a Development Agenda for the Future
At the conclusion of his administration, Fernando Ramírez’s management report reflects a five-year period of activity across virtually every area of municipal responsibility.
The results include more than 250 public works projects, improvements to more than 100 paved city blocks and 50 additional gravel-improved blocks, investments in public parks and educational infrastructure, thousands of participants in training programs and support initiatives for entrepreneurs, producers and vulnerable communities.
These achievements were accompanied by initiatives in healthcare, child protection, social inclusion, sports, culture, environmental management, animal welfare, tourism, mobility and productive development.
On the institutional front, the administration leaves behind digital administrative services, updated planning instruments, implementation of MECIP, strengthened transparency mechanisms, revised municipal regulations and improved human resource management tools.
The administration also prepared technical projects for future investments, including a modern Municipal Slaughterhouse, a Recycling Center, the new Municipal Cemetery and a future Family Health Unit in the San Miguel neighborhood.
Beyond visible infrastructure, one of the central elements of the administration’s legacy is its investment in institutional capabilities and the development of tools intended to support continuity in municipal development.
Urban planning, international cooperation, workforce training, digitalization, business development and regulatory modernization represent instruments that extend beyond a single administration and can be utilized by future municipal governments.
Ramírez’s administration pursued an integrated development vision seeking to combine infrastructure investment with human development, local government modernization, citizen participation and the creation of new economic opportunities.
The conclusion of his term therefore marks the end of an administration characterized by significant urban investment, revitalization of public spaces, expanded social programs, stronger municipal services and new opportunities for international cooperation and development.
The administration also brought Pilar’s experience to national and international platforms while leaving a portfolio of projects, studies and institutional tools designed to support the city’s future development challenges.
More than 250 public works projects, thousands of beneficiaries, new institutional management tools and strategic projects for the future form part of the record of an administration that sought to establish Pilar as a modern, inclusive, well-organized city with greater opportunities for sustainable development.
