IN HIS inaugural address on June 30, 2022 at the SMX Convention Center, SM City Clark, Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo spelled out the 12 pillars of his government which would serve as anchors of his governance for the next three years of his term.
Among his pillars are the focus on education and healthcare, the seniors and the vulnerable, infrastructure and digitalization of the processes at city hall.
Vice Mayor Geld Aquino and the ten city councilors were also sworn in before Commission on Elections (Comelec) head Atty. Marvyn Gaerlan and MTCC Mabalacat City Judge Maria Rhodora A. Malabag-Peralta. They were accompanied by their respective family members.
A little before 9 a.m., I entered the SMX Convention Center (3rd level), SM City Clark and was greeted by ushers and usherettes (mostly employees in Mabalacat City Hall) and by the sound of an orchestra or a philharmonic group. I was ushered into the media section near the stage.
Several intermission numbers were staged probably at the behest of Dionisio S. Magbalot. Photo ops followed the swearing-in of the elected officials. Emcees for the program proper were Jay Pelayo IV and Sherwin Funcion. Department heads, friends and classmates from Chevalier School were in attendance.
It was a near-grand presentation, flowing free on cue and in a very orderly fashion. Recognition should be accorded to the organizers for the successful staging of the event.
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CA Frank Madlangbayan was the brain of this event and led several meetings leading to the success of this event: everyone was given cues on the proper pacing and everyone involved delivered.
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On July 7, 2022, I learned that Mayor Garbo was in talks with Korean investors who were interested in investing in the city. With the ease in doing business in place at the city hall, it will not be farfetched that investments would soon be in place in this progressive city.
Foreign investments are welcome in the city to make it more competitive and attractive to different groups of investors. I expect more foreign delegations to come and invest in the prosperous Mabalacat City under the leadership of Mayor Garbo!