CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Mabalacat City is eyeing the uplifting of its local economy in preparation for the new normal.
Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo said the city government is coordinating with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Bases Conversion and Development Authority in order to cope up with the revival of its industries and economy.
“We are organizing task forces especially since 90 percent of CDC is part of our city, and this is the bread and butter of our economy in Mabalacat including employment,” Garbo said.
As the Co-Chair of the Metro Clark Advisory Council, Garbo said that the group is also crafting policies for establishments inside Clark, especially the big companies.
“We are also trying our best to help the small companies since they are the hardest hit in this pandemic. We are temporarily granting suspension on payments to give them a chance to continue their businesses,” he said.
Aside from employment, Garbo also mentioned that tourism and leisure operations play a role in the revival of the economy, not only of the city, but of the country as well.
“Right now, we are following the percentage of persons allowed in establishments. All parks and leisure establishments inside Clark and also outside, are in the adjustment period. Hopefully, in the new normal, we can have them fully operational,” the mayor said.
However, Garbo assured the public that once these are fully operational, these will be properly coordinated with the health sector to ensure the safety of both the local and foreign tourists.
He added that the city is also training personnel that will monitor activities inside tourism sites and leisure parks.
At present, tourism and leisure activities in the city operate on a limited basis and are controlled through scheduling scheme.