JUST like other local government units (LGUa) and the national government, the City of Mabalacat, headed by Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo, aims to achieve economic growth and prosperity like the pre-pandemic levels.

In his inaugural address, Mayor Garbo explicitly included the attainment of economic development of the city in his list of priorities. This way, Mabalacat City can become a highly urbanized city, a way of weaning away this city from the clutches of the provincial government of Pampanga just like Angeles City which is now heavily invested and very profitable.

Of course, businesses should be enhanced in the city to make it business-friendly and generate more income. Mayor Farbo had his eyes on micro, medium and small businesses to, he said, augment income of families affected by the pandemic. He, along with other officials, is eyeing massive investments from foreigners like Chinese, Japanese and South Koreans. The ease of doing business in the city is being exercised in earnest.

Next, Mayor Garbo batted for more jobs for his city mates, relying on the Public Employment Service Office for various job opportunities. He said there were 200 farmers who underwent training in Korean language at Mabalacat City College and they will be sent out to South Korea for employment. He planned to go there ro find job openings/opportunities for Mabalaquenos.

Mayor Garbo does not miss out on the cultural aspect of cityhood. He announced the preservation and improvement of the old municipal hall in Barangay Poblacion and the conversion of the Mabalacat railway station into a functional hall for heritage promotion. These will become sites for book launching, art shows and other cultural activities which the Mabalacat City Tourism and Cultural Council will spearhead and organize. In addition, he disclosed that DOLE will extend a grant of P500,000 ro be given to our brother Aetas ro help them in their livelihood activity producing tourism souvenirs.

There are other significant things to happen in Mabalacat City. All these are within the purview of the 12 pillars of governance spelled out by Mayor Garbo in his inaugural address.

Mabalacat City is truly intensified and blessed!