FOR the period 2013-2016, the City Government of Mabalacat has accomplished a comprehensive agenda the Sangguniang Panlungsod leading other offices in formulating various codes and ordinances, including the Gender and Development Code and the much-awaited Traffic Code.
On April 14, 2015, a meeting was set at the Jade Hall, Xevera lot-only, Tabun. Vice Mayor Christian C. Halili opened the activity by reciting his office's accomplishments. On hand to assist him were: Councilors Froylan Galang, Rox Pena, Dwight Oliver Morales, Carlo Nino Rivera, Eddie Sotto, Benny Jocson and Bok Tiglao.
The attendees including department and unit heads who were also present in the organizational meeting in 2013. Also present was Chief Inspector Rodel Manuel, the city fire marshal, who persistently bats for the construction of a central fire station and sub-stations and the acquisition of fire trucks.
Representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government were in attendance.
The ELA is an instrument that helps the LGU in formulating plans, programs and solutions to issues of the different sectors of the population.
The performance areas are: governance, covering organizational structure, tax moratorium, unappropriated programs, outdated tax code and economic enterprises; social, covering City Social Welfare and Development, city health education, PNP, BFP, CDRRM, Special Action Center PESO, city nutrition, UPAO; environment, covering city solid waste; economic, covering assessor's office, city market, city building office, city agriculture office and administrative, covering city planning and development office, city human resources management office and city civil registrar.
The discussions were lengthy, detailed and animated with the end in view of reaching viable and doable projects. The follow-through system was strictly imposed by the DILG in order to ascertain the city's eligibility to receive the Seal of Good Governance award or citation. Each department
head was asked to elaborate on his office's compliance to the agenda.
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There were updated recommendations by the DILG in order to upgrade the city's development program, principally the construction of permanent BFP and PNO stations. It is incumbent upon the city to procure sites or land area to put up these stations. For a city like Mabalacat, it is ideal to
set up BFP and PNP to set up their stations in Dau, Madapdap and central offices in Barangay Poblacion.
The lodged recommendations by the DILG were seriously noted by the city government for implementation before the next meeting in 2016.
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Winnifred M. Felix, the budget officer of Magalang, is bullish about the chances of the town of becoming a city, next to its neighbors Mabalacat, Angeles and San Fernando. He cites the staple crop of the town as impetus for its growth: asan (fish or viand), abyas (rice) and atbu (sugarcane), the typical features of a basically agricultural town.