Tulabut: Gov. Delta praises Garbo

PROBABLY ushered in awe.

Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda could not help but be mesmerized by the outpouring of support for his re-election in the opening salvo of Team MCG in Mabalacat City. It was one of the biggest crowds we have witnessed in a political rally in Pampanga in recent memory.

The support was manifested in the gathering of a large crowd. It was mustered by Mayor Cris Garbo and Vice Mayor Geld Aquino, who are also seeking their second terms. Together with their full slate for City Council seats, they filled up a huge vacant lot near an area of Macarthur highway where the SCTEX crosses over (near San Rafael Parish).

Realizing how effective Garbo with the kind of reforms he instituted and various social services since 2017, Governor Dennis, also an already sure winner this May, has had kind remarks for the man.

“Tingnan nyo po, malayong malayo ang dating administrasyon sa administrasyon ni Mayor Cris,” Pineda said. (Witness how vastly different is the Garbo administration from his predecessor’s.)

News reports have it that Governor Dennis was all praises for Garbo in one interview.

“Dito makikita ninyo kung ano ang pagmamahal sa mga kababayan natin sa Mabalacat. Ramdam na ramdam ninyo ang serbisyo ni Mayor Cris (One can see and feel that love and service of Mayor Garbo for our people here in Mabalacat),” he added.

The governor did not remain satisfied with his accolades for Garbo whom he had worked with previously in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

He went on to endorse his candidacy. An endorsement that also came with comparison and contrast with previous leadership in Mabalacat LGU.

“Wag na kayong mag dalawang isip pa. Wag na kayong bumalik sa dati,” (You should have no second thoughts. You should not revert to the past) he said.

“Ang suporta po ng provincial government, kami po ni Nanay (Vice Governor Lilia Pineda) ay na kay Mayor Cris Garbo.” (The provincial government, with Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, is on Mayor Garbo)

***

One poignant moment in the opening salvo of Team MCG last Saturday was the point when re-electionist councilor Timmy Dee fell into tears before he was called to speak.

While understandably he was overwhelmed by the huge crowd which almost guarantees his second term, Dee could not help but remember the realization of his late father’s dream for a better Mabalacat.

The late businessman Anthony Dee figured in many mayoral battles with former Mayor Marino Morales where one of the latter’s victory was reversed by the court.

Councilor Dee recalls how his late Dad wished for better service where Mabalaquenos need not suffer from lack of medicines nor lack of hospital treatments.

“Madamdamin po ako kasi pangarap po ito ng tatay ko. Pangarap niya na darating ang araw na walang magkakasakit na hindi nakakainom ng gamot o kaya ay hindi nadadala sa hospital,” Dee said in a very emotional speech.

He recalled that his father had one hospital built in Sapang Maisac in the boundaries of Mabalacat, Magalang and Angeles City. But that hospital, unfortunately, was not sustained when their businesses went sideways.

I was personally touched when he said that when he gets to meet his good father, he could be telling him a long story of how that dream was realized.

“Pag nagkaharap kami ng tatay ko, masasabi ko na ang ang pangarap nya ay naging isang katotohanan na po, dahil sa ating napakasipag na Mayor Garbo, Vice Mayor Aquino at buong Team MCG.”

“Meron na po tayong masasandalan.”

***

I was formally introduced to Councilor Dee in an art exhibit few months ago. In that event, I mentioned how I used to buy electronic components at their Quiapo store for our church in Mabalacat in the 1980s. I also cited the volunteer fire brigade that was emulated from their Manila operations to Mabalacat City.

During the pandemic, I took note of the good councilor’s contribution especially in disinfection where their firetrucks were utilized to help stop the spread of corona virus. Facebook is awash of those endeavors of Dee, together with Mayor Garbo and Vice Mayor Aquino.

What is noteworthy and noble is that Dee’s handicap or disability does not keep him from serving the public. He was even made chairman on committee on emergencies and disasters which works well for him. It is a post less glamorous but never dearth of praiseworthy comments. With that, he is now known as action man -- something that his colleagues in the City Council must now wish was given to them instead.

Dee’s tears that fell unashamedly in that rally are proof of the man’s humility and sincerity. They bespeak of his kindheartedness.

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