MABALACAT CITY — Mabalacat City Mayor Cris Garbo emphasized the city’s investment on the development and implementation of health promotion policies and programs during the League of Cities of the Philippines 3rd Convergence and 75th National Executive Board Meeting at Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort here on July 25.
This city is host to the LCP event, with the theme “LCP in Action: Connected, Creative, Challenge Ready.”
Garbo, who is the LCP Focal Person for Health, highlighted the city’s commitment to beefing up health care services and attaining action-oriented goals to improve the well-being and safety of our Filipino citizens.
“Today is an opportune time to uphold the valuable role of the cities in shaping the future of our country and finding innovative solutions to face and address fast-changing challenges,” Garbo said.
The mayor cited the “MCG Cares” health card to avail of free medicines and other health care services.
“The card, now available for all Mabalaqueños, provides easy access to medical services so our residents no longer have to worry about carrying multiple documents and help them keep track their health records,” he said.
According to the mayor, the city has protection-related services including the implementation of the social pension to adolescent mothers and children or SPPAMC, which provides social assistance, welfare services, and child protection amounting to a total of 3 million pesos to 100 young mothers.
“Recently, I personally distributed SPPAMC where a total of 100 mothers have received P3,000 each as part of the city’s conditional social pension program,” he said.
The city has also established a drop-in center for women and children in crisis situations called Purple House, which serves as a temporary shelter for women and children who are abandoned, neglected, and victim-survivors of gender-based violence or GBV.
“This house acquired a Level 1 Certificate of Accreditation, which makes Mabalacat City the first LGU in Pampanga to have an accredited community-based center,” he said.
According to Garbo, the city has also embraced a proactive approach to public health by consistently conducting regular assemblies with its Peace and Order council to complement with the national government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
“In January 2022, the city’s Anti-Drug Abuse Council has been awarded one of the best councils by PDEA for our exemplary efforts in combatting drugs,” the mayor noted.
He added: “In Mabalacat city, there is perseverance and consistency in addressing diseases and other health problems. Other comprehensive health care programs include libreng panganganak, voluntary mass blood donation, ‘Bayan ko, Linis ko’ clean up activity with DENR, and pediatric vaccination program, among others.”
We are all shared partners in ensuring a healthy, sustainable, and developed city. We have the best chance to achieve these by committing to transformative agenda for good health and well-being.
The mayor extended a warm welcome to his esteemed colleagues from various cities across the nation who attended the 3rd Convergence, a significant event that brings together key decision-makers, local government officials, and stakeholders to discuss and explore innovative strategies for urban development, focusing on connectivity, creativity, and readiness to face challenges.
The convergence aims to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas to address the evolving needs of cities in the Philippines.
This gathering aims to provide a platform for city leaders to showcase successful initiatives, programs, and projects that have contributed to the growth and development of their respective localities. By sharing these experiences, participants will inspire one another and gain valuable insights to implement in their own cities, leading to more sustainable and progressive urban communities.
Garbo, known for his unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to improving the lives of Mabalacat City residents, believes that this event will serve as a catalyst for the advancement of cities across the Philippines, promoting connectivity, creativity, and preparedness in addressing the challenges faced by urban areas.
The Mabalacat City LGU and Mayor Crisostomo Garbo extended their gratitude to the League of Cities of the Philippines for entrusting them with the responsibility of hosting this significant event.
