Morales made the announcement during the media forum “Talk Widus” held at the Prism Lounge and organized by the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) in cooperation with the Widus Hotel and Casino here last Wednesday.
But when asked to comment on the appeal of Board Member Cris Garbo that he should no longer seek another term after serving for a long time, Morales has this to say:
“Garbo has only a single vote and that is his opinion. He can say whatever he wants but it will be the people who will decide… vox populi, vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God).”
Morales said a comprehensive land use plan and master development plan consisting of 2,000 hectares spread into 10 barangays – Sapang Balen, Bundagul, Paralayunan, Sta. Maria, Madapdap, Sta. Ines, San Joaquin, Tabun, Atlu Bola, Mamatitang – have been made for the CBD.
The mayor said this will be complemented with the P170-million Mabalacat-Clark East Perimeter Road which will be finished by March 2016.
Once completed, the Clark Development Corp. (CDC)-funded project will be an alternate route to decongest MacArthur Highway in Mabalacat City, he said.
Morales also said another P120 million has been allotted by the CDC for the rehabilitation of the road from the Mabalacat Gate leading to the Clark Freeport.
Another road linking the Xevera housing complex in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat to the Panday Pira Street in Clark has also been approved in principle, the mayor added.
The three-kilometer roadlink will benefit those coming from the north to Clark like the towns of Concepcion, Capas and Bamban in Tarlac because they will no longer pass through the MacArthur Highway in downtown Mabalacat, he explained.
These road networks will definitely improve the economic development of the city and support our aspiration to develop the eastern portion of the city into a business district because of its accessibility, Morales added.
“With all these in place, there will be an influx of investors,” he said.
At present, Morales said Waltermart will establish a mall on a two-hectare site in Barangay Mabiga near the San Rafael Church.
Mang Inasal Restaurant, Red Ribbon, KFC and Didi’s Pizza will also have establishments in the downtown area while a Burger King Restaurant will be put up in Barangay Dau near the Datelcom building, he said.
Morales said the city government will be the one to renovate the public market with a budget of P30 million. Construction will start in January or February next year for the public market building with a mezzanine floor for offices, he said.
Slate
Mayor Morales said Vice Mayor Christian Halili, who will join the Kambilan party, will be his running mate in the 2016 polls.
The city councilors are: re-electionists Rox Pena, Geld Aquino, Bok Tiglao, Dwight Morales, Jeng Yumul, Eddie Sotto and Carlo Rivera as well as Jerry Basilio, Liza Pineda, and Dan Bayani.
Boking’s secret
The secret of his success, Morales said, is his firm commitment to God and to the people of Mabalacat and a very positive attitude.
He also said he has a genuine smile.
“A genuine smile with eyes that twinkle, a nose that wrinkles, and if you have that genuine smile it will be your umbrella to success because if you smile, people will be smiling with you,” he said.
Morales also said, “love is the essence of our existence just like our dealings with the people dapat ing lugud mu kareng tau e mamako (the love you have to your people should always be paramount).”
“Ala nang muna keng kababan (Nothing tops humility),” he said. According to Archbishop Socrates Villegas humility is the crown of all virtues without it all virtues will crumble, he said.
