Mabalacat City has been recognized as the City Category Winner in the Regional Search for the Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards (RMSKPA), awarded by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region III.

The city earned the distinction for its exemplary programs on women empowerment, gender equality, and other initiatives aligned with the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023–2028.

CPD Region III Director Lourdes Nacionales personally presented the award to Mabalacat City Mayor. Geld Aquino on Monday, July 28, at Jade Hall, Xevera, Tabun. Mayor Aquino was joined by Vice Mayor Jun Castro and Councilors Jake Soliven, Timmy Dee, Patricia Acorda, and Vicoy Ong during the awarding ceremony.

“As early as my time as a councilor and head of the POP-GAD committee, I have been advocating for these programs. We gained regional recognition when I was Vice Mayor, and now as Mayor, I commit my full support to the continued implementation of your agency’s initiatives,” said Aquino.

The awarding also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Mabalacat City and CPD Region III. Among the signatories were City Administrator Geraldine Bernardino and CPD Region III Population Program Officer III Isa Roane Chan.

According to City Population, Gender and Development Officer Charlo Costales, the MOA aims to strengthen and localize population and development programs at the LGU level. The city’s POPDEV Council and Barangay Population and GAD Workers also expressed their gratitude for the recognition.

Mabalacat City is now preparing for the national-level evaluation set for August.