“ONLY when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
Citing these inspiring words from Nobel Peace Prize awardee Martin Luther King, Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo attributed Mabalacat City’s history as “a narrative of success and perseverance” in his speech, as he led the commemoration of the 9th Charter Day Celebration of Mabalacat on July 21, 2021 at the City Hall.
The mayor also penned the speech to underscore the importance of each Mabalaqueño in “creating a gleaming future for Mabalacat” and in the building of a “Bayung Mabalacat.”
“My aspiration for the highest post in the local government back then was a bold attempt to break the years-long monotony in Mabalacat City. As I recall, I even compared the situation of our city to a ‘seed in the dark,’ yearning for sunlight for it to grow and prosper,” said Garbo.
“As we celebrate our 9th anniversary as a full-fledged city, we take into account all our shared dreams and our collective efforts towards the attainment and the safeguarding of what we have founded. Mabalaqueños, malaking bahagi po ng aking pagbuo sa isang Bagong Mabalacat ang inyong partisipasyon. Masaya po ako dahil naging katuwang ko po kayong lahat sa naging biyahe nating ito,” the mayor added.
Themed “Continue Our Lucky Streak,” the cityhood anniversary theme implies more than “good fortune.”
Garbo cited Galatians 5:22 to 23 to urge an underlying challenge for each Mabalaqueño of keeping the compassion and faith to the Lord, and “love and peace for one another despite whatever adversities we are facing today.”
Due to the risks posed by the current pandemic, the City Government limited the activities for the celebration of the 9th Charter Day of Mabalacat to a simple yet solemn commemorative program. Keynote speeches from local government officials and a symbolic wreath adorned the façade of the city hall to pay homage to the legacy of the city.
“May our cityhood anniversary remind us the essence of camaraderie, hope, and perseverance, especially in these trying times, for these shall illuminate our path for a brighter future ahead,” said Garbo, as he extended his heartfelt thanks to the essential workers in the frontline, the private sector, and the people of Mabalacat in general for helping the city counter the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
By virtue of Republic Act 10164 signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, the town of Mabalacat was converted into a component city in June 2012.
Joining the mayor in the commemoration were Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino and Councilors Win-Win Garbo, Liza Pineda, Jerry Magsino, Niño Delos Reyes, and Cocoy Tiglao.
Also present during the ceremony were Mabalacat Chief of Police Soledad Elefanio, Mabalacat City Fire Marshal Sonny Cario, City Tourism Officer Arwin Paul Lingat, City Information Officer Jay Pelayo IV, City Planning and Development Officer Rosan Paquia, DepEd Mabalacat City Superintendent Dr. Ericson Sabacan, and City Government employees.