Mabalacat City Mayor Geld Aquino highlighted gains in governance, disaster preparedness, social protection and public services as he outlined his administration’s development agenda in his first State of the City Address (SOCA).
Anchored on the theme ‘Honoring Commitments, Transforming Lives: Tuloy-tuloy na Pag-unlad para sa Bawat Mabalaquenian,’ Aquino reported that the city collected more than P1.53 billion from January to June 2026, up 15 percent from the same period last year, and is on track to surpass its P2.85-billion revenue target. The city also earned the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping for its financial reforms.
On disaster preparedness, Aquino said the city responded to 1,466 incidents and assisted 1,593 victims, while recording zero casualties during his first year in office. Two large LED walls were also installed in San Francisco and Dau to serve as early warning and public information systems. The city further implemented P136.9 million worth of infrastructure projects, including drainage systems, roads, solar streetlights and multipurpose evacuation facilities.
Social protection and health services were also expanded, with 11,209 guarantee letters worth P164.22 million issued under the city’s AICS program in the first seven months of 2026. More than 12,500 senior citizens benefited from the local social pension program, while the Central Pharmacy served 8,745 clients and distributed nearly 940,000 medicines from January to June.
Aquino also cited efforts to strengthen education and youth disaster preparedness through earthquake drills involving 38 public and private schools, emergency go-bags and manuals for public school students, and expanded support for PWD learners. The city’s business and livelihood programs were likewise underscored, including support for 211 public market vendors and the WE LEAP program, which helped 108 women start businesses through training and cash grants.
For safety and social protection, the city maintained functional VAW desks and barangay juvenile intervention programs, while its Council Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children was recognized as highly functional. Meanwhile, Aquino highlighted the rehabilitation of Sapang Balen Creek and other infrastructure initiatives as part of efforts to address environmental concerns.
Aquino said the administration will continue pursuing sustainable development across the city’s 10 governance areas, including financial sustainability, disaster preparedness, social protection, health, education, business competitiveness, peace and order, environmental management, tourism and heritage, and youth development, with the goal of improving the quality of life of every Mabalaquenian.
