FROM dawn til dusk, there is no stopping the man who does not experience a bad hair day even after removing his bike helmet from a quick joyride. The tireless Mayor Cris Garbo never ceases to amaze not only the Mabalaquenos but also his fellow Kapampangans and public servants for his achievements and accomplishments for his beloved city. With his city administrator, the equally diligent Atty. Emmanuel Ignacio, the Mabalacat City will be continue to shower blessings to its constituents while still having to share some to its neighboring communities.
It was written in King James version of the Bible that we should remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. In our world where materialism and commercialism seem to dominate our nation, we sometimes find it difficult to comprehend how giving is better than getting. People like the idea of having things. We’re mortal creatures addicted to the thought of acquiring something new.
But let us not forget that by giving is how God demonstrates His love for us. And by giving, we get something that no money in the planet can give, and that is happiness. We’ve heard stories of people achieving financial and career success that later resulted in a tragic end because they haven’t found the real happiness in life.
And following this divine guidance, Mayor Cris Garbo and Atty. Emmanuel Ignacio are touching the hearts of many with the administration’s generosity especially to those who are non-Mabalaquenos.
The mayor was surprised when he found out about the increase in the share of Mabalacat City from the five-percent tax on gross income earned by Clark Freeport locators. And because of this, Mayor Garbo has appropriated parts of it for the purchase of brand new ambulances worth P1.8 million each to be given this time to other local government units in Pampanga as well as outside the province.
In fact, the Mabalacat LGU has already scheduled on February 15 the distribution of 16 ambulances to help the income-challenged Pampanga LGUs which were identified by Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda. Aside from these, Olongapo and Balanga City and also Bamban and Capas in Tarlac will get Nissan brand ambulances too.
The present admin of Mabalacat understands what the region needs. In this time where calamities and natural disasters can strike at places where it usually does not get affected, Mayor Garbo goes keen on the literature about climate change and he has been studying the possible adverse effects it may bring to his area of responsibility.
Yorme Cris Garbo was only expecting P600 million shares from Clark but because of his indefatigable efforts, the city got P750 million in the past year. This guy is blessed and he knows exactly what to do with his time. During his early year as the mayor, his admin has already distributed 16 ambulances, 27 rescue vehicles and garbage trucks for Mabalacat.
And in spite all of these, he made it a point to always thank the Lord for guiding him. Also, he still manages to make some quality time with his family and find some time to take care of himself by playing golf or basketball and riding in style on his motorcycle enjoying the natural breeze.
If the Golden State Warriors say, there is strength in numbers, for Mayor Garbo, he gains strength with longer hours.
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Kuya J Pelayo IV is a Kapampangan broadcast journalist. For comments and suggestions, e-mail at 4th.pelayo@gmail.com