MABALACAT CITY, PAMPANGA — Thirteen years since its conversion into a component city, Mabalacat commemorated its cityhood anniversary on July 21 with a formal tribute to former mayor Marino “Boking” Morales, recognized as the “Father of Cityhood.”
Mayor Atty. Gerald Guttrie Aquino led the ceremony held at the historic former municipio, now known as the Tabnuan Cultural Hall in Barangay Poblacion. In his speech, Aquino emphasized the importance of honoring Morales for his pivotal role in achieving cityhood under Republic Act No. 10164, signed into law in 2012.
“We give credit to whom credit is due,” said Aquino. “Through his dedication and firm resolve, the foundation was laid for what Mabalacat City enjoys today.”
In his acceptance message, Morales reflected on his decades-long vision: “Thirty years ago, when I first served as municipal mayor of Mabalacat, I had a vision and mission that Mabalacat will become a city. Mabalacat will prosper.”
The program was attended by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, including Councilors Noel Castro, Vicoy Ong, Patricia Acorda, Ike Morales, Jake Soliven, Marjorie Sambo, and Stephen Aurelio, alongside city department heads, personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, and Mabalacat PNP.
The annual celebration reflects the city’s ongoing recognition of its political history and the leadership that shaped its transformation.