MABALACAT CITY — Mayor Crisostomo “Cris” Garbo said the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic caused a detour for the city and its people but the “destination is still the same – which is greater progress for the city.” During his report to the Sangguniang Panglungsod, Garbo cited his nine pillars of good governance that have made significant positive developments in the city.
Under healthcare, Garbo said the city has improved services at the central pharmacy, Rural Health Units, procured state-of-the-art ambulances, partnered with private hospitals, and provided hemodialysis treatments to some 7,308 beneficiaries.
The city government utilized P56 million for healthcare alone, according to Garbo. From the said budget, Garbo provided financial aid and food items for bedridden patients whom he personally visited in their respective homes.
“This year, I personally visited our 600 bedridden patients because I want you to feel that your government cares for you,” Garbo said.Because of the healthcare program, Garbo said the city has lesser number of active COVID-19 patients.“I thank our doctors, healthcare workers and frontliners for maintaining the health, sanitation and safety of each of us. Maraming salamat po,” said Garbo.
Upon his assumption to office in 2017, Garbo reportedly distributed thousands of laptops to public school teachers. Given the new normal now, educators in the city can adapt with online teaching using these gadgets.
“With the absence of face-to face classes, the city government will be installing clustered digital hubs in targeted barangays here where students who have no internet connection at home can do their homework or modules,” Garbo said.
Garbo also announced the city has purchased more than ten risograph machines for printing of modules for primary, secondary and college students.
With the economic disruptions worldwide, Garbo is calling on Mabalaqueños to be self-sufficient as the City Agriculture Office is giving away free seedlings under the city government’s food sufficiency program.
“I am calling for self-sufficiency. Namimigay po tayo ng free seedlings. Please take part in these programs and learn as much as you can. Wala po dapat magutom na Mabalaqueño. We have to survive this together,” he furthered.
According to Garbo, his administration will support emerging industries like online selling among others.
The city’s Gender and Development Office for this year has provided P10,000 to solo parents and indigent women for livelihood. The city government is eyeing to expand its program to provide soft loans of up to P50,000 along with training and product development for a complete package support.For jobs generation, Garbo said that in Clark alone, there are 26,000 workers from Mabalacat City.
The city has also provided P500 monthly pension for some 1,000 indigent senior citizens. The mayor is eyeing to provide monthly pension to some 5,000 by 2021. The mayor also thanked various private offices and government agencies for their asssitance during the lockdowns. They include Texas Instruments, Clark Development Corporation, Aboitiz, and Jocson College.
“Hindi ko man kayo ma-isa-isa lahat, taos puso ko kayong pinasasalamatan. Maraming maraming salamat po,” he stressed.
Garbo also urged barangay officials to establish their own Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) within this year as part of the city government’s program on environmental protection.
“We will never give up in finding solutions. It is true that there is no manual in governance during this time of pandemic but this administration vows to always put your welfare above all,” he said.He also encouraged his constituents to focus on the bright things in life as the new normal will open new opportunities for every individual. He appealed on residents to always observe proper health protocol for everyone’s safety.