The Mabalacat City Government under the leadership of Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, in partnership with the Department of Education Mabalacat City Schools Division, led the celebration of the 2024 Independence Day at the historic Tabnuan (old municipio) in Barangay Poblacion.
Mayor Garbo was joined by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod including councilors Jerry Magsino, Liza Pineda, Cherry Manalo, Noel Castro, Cocoy Tiglao, and Rox Peña. Punong Barangay Elmer Mendiola also attended the ceremony.
Mabalacat City Schools Division Superindendent Maria Carmen Cuenco delivered the opening remarks.
In his key message, Mayor Garbo shared about the significance of giving importance to our freedom.
“Sa bawat hakbang natin patungo sa kaganapan ng ating mga pangarap, hindi natin dapat kalimutan ang mga aral ng Diyos at ang kasaysayan na ang kalayaan ay isang karapatan na dapat ipaglaban. Bilang mga Mabalaqueño, alam natin ang halaga ng kalayaang ito, at ito ang nagbibigay sa atin ng lakas at determinasyon upang harapin ang anumang hamon sa ating paligid,” he said.
The event was well attended by the department and unit heads of Mabalacat City LGU and from DepEd Mabalacat.
The MPAC – Siklab Dance Alliance also performed their version of Makabayan dance.
The celebration was also attended by Mabalacat Police headed by PLtCol. Efren David, Jr. and BFP Mabalacat headed by firr marshal FSInsp. Joshua Ayson.
The program was organized by the City Tourism and Promotions Office headed by Arwin Paul Alfonso Lingat.