CLARK FREEPORT – City Mayor Cris Garbo on Monday delivered his State of the City Address (SOCA), urging Vice Mayor Christian Halili and Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod to help him fulfill his dream for a brighter future for Mabalaqueños.
“Please help in this dream for Mabalaqueños, this is not my dream but a dream for every Mabalaqueño,” Garbo said in his speech during his SOCA at the ASEAN Convention Center inside this Freeport zone.
The mayor proudly reported to his constituents that after a year since he took an oath as city mayor, his administration delivered and even surpassed what he promised for progressive change in Mabalacat anchored on what he called 9 Pillars of his Governance.
“Today, I am proud to tell you that, we did not only deliver each and every promise but even surpassed what was expected of us. We made it to the news, we earned the respect of other leaders, and even, the commendation of netizens all over the country and abroad. Far from who we were before, Mabalacat, we have risen and there is no stopping us,” the mayor stressed.
During his first year, Garbo’s administration was able to give equal access to education by distributing 1,193 laptops to teachers –claimed to be the first city in the country – which aims to make public education at par with private school system. Two hundred scholarships were also granted. A coaster for Mabalacat City College (MCC) was also given.
For health services, P34 million worth in medical assistance and 440 hospital bills were extended during his first year. An average of P500,000 per day in medical assistance which includes Hemodialysis, Chemotherapy and hospitalization of various medical cases.
The city also purchased high-end ambulance with defibrillator, the first of its kind in the province. Rural Health Units (RHUs) were also constructed with this more than 250,000 Mabalaceños availing of medical assistance. worth P9.2 million free medicines were also spent.
Garbo said the city is also providing a burial assistance and 324 have already availed it.
Economic
The fiscal management, through Garbo’s administration has increased from P400 million to P600 million collections from Clark alone.Business tax collection in the city increased from P56 milion to P62 million compared to the 1st and 2ndquarters of 2017 and 2018.
In real property taxes the city has collected more than P33 million on basic tax collectibles and another P33 million on Special Education Fund Tax on 55, 590 real property units this year.
Culture
A grant of P500,000 from the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) was given to the city for the preservation of the two heritage houses found here.
He said the city has launched heritage awareness photo exhibit and history timeline of Mabalacat City within the city hall for the entire year. The awareness campaign will go on a mobile tour from school to school in the entire city.
The mayor condone corruption and red tape in his administration in light with this his administration established bids and awards system were all suppliers have to go through process imposed by the government.
“We take this to assure our people with the accountability and transparency of our administration,” Garbo furthered.
Last Summer, a Garbo signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Information Communication and Technology for the installation of public wifi in almost public areas in the city.
“With the accomplishment of my administration it is rightful to say my deepest thanks to everyone who has supported me and all our endeavors in the city. The Vice Mayor and City Council who led the passage of my visions into implementable laws thank you for the support,” the Mayor ended.