“Kayo ang bida sa serbisyo.”
These were the first words uttered by elected Mabalacat City Mayor Geld Aquino during his inaugural address at the oathtaking ceremony of newly elected city officials on June 30 setting the tone for an administration he vowed will be people-first, inclusive, and service-oriented.
Unveiling an ambitious eight-point agenda, Aquino laid out priority programs in healthcare, social protection, legal aid, digital innovation, education, community governance, safety and security, and public-private sector partnerships—each designed to directly benefit every Mabalaqueño.
“Ito po ang panibagong yugto ng ating pamahalaan. Mas bukas, mas mabilis, mas makatao. Sa bawat proyekto’t serbisyo—kayo po ang bida,” the mayor told the crowd gathered at the SMX Convention Center Clark.
PEOPLE-CENTERED HEALTH SERVICES
Top of the agenda was healthcare. Aquino promised decisive action before illnesses escalate, committing to the rehabilitation of Rural Health Units, free laboratory testing for indigent patients, and expansion of the Botikang Bayan for free medicine distribution.
The city will also enhance its dialysis services with additional machines. The Mabalacat District Hospital will be turned over to the city government for improved management, while a new general hospital is being planned. The current facility is set to become a specialty hospital. Guarantee letters and medical financial aid will also be available for residents in need.
EXPANDED SOCIAL WELFARE
Aquino pledged to grant universal social pension to all senior citizens, along with a ₱20,000 cash gift for those celebrating their 85th birthday. Solo parents will be provided with livelihood support, and assistive devices like wheelchairs will be distributed to PWDs.
The city will also sustain its Programang Pagkain Para sa Bawat Pamilyang Mabalaqueño, which aims to ensure food security in vulnerable communities.
LEGAL AID, SAFETY, AND TECHNOLOGY
Aquino reaffirmed his support for the continuation of legal assistance desks to help residents with documentation and legal concerns.
For public safety, the mayor announced plans for a modern Command Center focused on peace and order, emergency response, and surveillance. He also committed to upgrading police support systems and fire department equipment.
To improve access to information, Aquino said the city will develop a mobile app providing real-time updates on public services and emergencies. Free Wi-Fi will also be rolled out in key public areas.
SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION AND YOUTH
Education also figures prominently in Aquino’s agenda. He vowed increased support for Mabalacat City College to ensure free, quality tertiary education. He also addressed the need for improved governance of public schools and promised educational assistance for underprivileged students, aid for licensure exam takers, and more funding for sports programs and inter-barangay tournaments.
BRINGING GOVERNMENT TO THE BARANGAY
To further decentralize services, Aquino said the “City Hall to Barangay” initiative will continue through Barangay Missions—offering direct access to medical, dental, and legal services, as well as job fairs, and anti-rabies vaccinations. The MGA Center (Mabalacat Government in Action) will serve as a mobile arm of the local government.
COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS
Aquino also pushed for greater sectoral representation in the Local Development Council and reaffirmed his openness to work with private investors and barangay leaders in implementing city-wide development plans.
“Sa bagong kabanatang ito, ang gobyerno ay hindi na lamang opisina. Ito ay magiging kakampi sa bawat tahanan, bawat negosyo, bawat pangarap,” Aquino said.
A CALL TO PARTICIPATION
Ending on a hopeful note, Mayor Aquino reiterated his call for unity, transparency, and collective leadership.
“Hindi ko ito kayang mag-isa. Pero kung magtutulungan tayo—gobyerno, pribadong sektor, bawat pamilya—makakamit natin ang isang mas maunlad, mas makatarungan, at mas makataong Mabalacat,” he said.
Aquino’s renewed term begins with a clear message: governance must begin and end with the people. And under his leadership, the Mabalaqueño will always be the “bida sa serbisyo.”