With Balacat Festival 2024 coming to a close, Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo (MCG), in a statement released today, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the resounding success of the week-long extravaganza.
“Your dedication and commitment to showcasing the best of Mabalacat have truly made this year’s festival a memorable and enriching experience for all. My heartfelt thanks to all barangay captains and your council, SK leaders, and your volunteers. Thank you, Arwin Lingat and your team, to our city’s treasures – Mr. Robby Tantingco and Mr. Alex Castro, to my city administrator and all my department and unit heads. Dacal pung salamat kekayung sinaup,” Garbo said.
According to MCTEG head Ralph Lauren David, the 2024 Balacat Festival, which showcased a diverse events and activities, drew tens of thousands of attendees. From the bustling Agro-Industrial Food Fair Bazaar to the vibrant 27 pavilions representing each barangay, the festival authentically displayed the unity and spirit of the city.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the grand inauguration of the Tabnuan Cultural Hub, a dedicated space where the rich cultural heritage of Mabalacat was celebrated and showcased for all to see. The Sayaw Pinoy tour, the Takbo para sa Balacat Run for a Cause, open concerts, the coronation of the new Miss Mabalacat, and the exhilarating Street Dance Parade and Interpretative Dance performances further added to the festive atmosphere.
Ms. Cecile Yumul, the main host of the cultural events of the festival, shared her admiration for her fellow kabalens who showed understanding and cheered with the crowd along MacArthur Highway while being temporarily slowed down due to traffic decongestion. “My brother, who’s a member of the transport sector with routes going in and out of Clark, did not mind the traffic at all. He was even in awe of the festive scene,” Ms. Yumul shared, highlighting the Mabalaqueño’s unity and resilience during the festivities.
Joining MCG for most of the activities were Vice Mayor Gerald Guttrie Aquino together with councilors Cherry Manalo, Cocoy Tiglao, Timothy Dee, Noel Castro, Carl Dizon, Marjorie Sambo, Jerry Magsino, Liza Pineda, Rox Peña, and Liga ng mga Barangay President Rey Pineda.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my daughter, Board Member Winwin Garbo, for putting her time and dedication to make these events about culture, arts and heritage, a very successful one. I’m so happy to see her grow by knowing her roots, and appreciating the factual stories and lessons from the past,” MCG furthered.
As the mayor extends his deepest gratitude to everyone who played a part in making this year’s festival a truly unforgettable celebration of culture, unity, and community spirit, Mayor Cris Garbo remains optimistic about the continued growth and success of the Balacat Festival in the years to come.
