MAYOR Crisostomo Garbo on Thursday delivered an inspiring State of the City Address (SOCA), highlighting the progress and achievements of this city aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Themed “MCG goes SDG,” the mayor outlined the city’s accomplishments across the 12 pillars of government, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of its citizens.
Addressing the pillars one by one, Garbo mentioned the city has increased healthcare funding, enhanced medical services and implemented preventive and responsive health programs, including the launching of ‘”MCG Cares” card.
In the pursuit of quality education, the city has increased educational funding and provided comprehensive teacher training programs by integrating technology in classrooms and empowering students with essential skills.
“Our Mabalacat City College has been recognized as one of the best in the country. Isa sa mga ipinagmamalaki kong programa ay ang UNA kung saan lahat ng pamilya na walang diploma ay automatic admission sa ating kolehiyo. Gusto ko sa Mabalacat, bawat pamilya, may diploma,” said Garbo.
Aligning with the decent work and economic growth, Mabalacat City has implemented initiatives to promote economic recovery, job opportunities, and support for small businesses.
Mayor Garbo’s administration has attracted investments, established partnerships here and abroad, and provided an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.
The first business club of Mabalacat was also formed during Garbo’s term as it held the groundbreaking of Ayala’s Pampanga Technopark in Bgy. Tabun, which is expected to generate around 100,000 jobs.
“Ilulunsad na rin natin ang barangay-PESO sa lahat ng 27 barangays upang mas mapadali ang pagbibigay ng hanapbuhay para sa ating mga Kabalen,” Garbo said.
Recognizing the importance of sustainable tourism, the city has invested in preserving cultural heritage sites, improving infrastructure and road network in partnership with DPWH, and developing sustainable tourism practices.
The region also witnessed the birth of Balacat Festival, where all 27 barangays participated in the historic event.
Garbo also highlighted the city’s commitment to strong moral values and the SDGs on peace, justice, and strong institutions through character education programs of Population, Gender and Development office and City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Garbo said the city’s digitization initiatives, clean environment campaigns, and resilience building efforts align with various SDGs, including climate action, and industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
Garbo’s SOCA mentioned the city has implemented comprehensive poverty alleviation programs, scholarship grants, and subsidized healthcare to uplift the lives of the Mabalaquenians.
Garbo thanked the city council headed by Vice Mayor Gerald Guttrie Aquino and the barangay captains for their unwavering support to his administration.
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