CLARK FREEPORT—The mayor of Mabalacat City has cited this free port as a provider of employment for some 26,000 of his constituents.
In his recent State of the City Address (SOCA), Mayor Crisostomo Garbo said that the free port was able to provide and sustain the jobs of Mabalacat residents despite the challenges of the pandemic.
“Gusto ko rin sabihin sa inyo na nandyan pa rin naman ang Clark Freeport, na sa ngayon ay may 26,000 manggagawa galing sa ating syudad,” he said.
From 2018 to 2019, the number of Mabalacat residents working in Clark has continuously increased. From 23,108 employees in 2018, the number grew to 24,907 in 2019.
An additional 1,093 workers were employed this year, ushering a total of 26,000 Mabalacat residents working inside the free port this year.
This accounts for 19.55 percent of the 132,969 total number of workers in Clark during the pre-pandemic period.
Meanwhile, Garbo also assured that they will continue to look for more work opportunities here, especially for individuals whose jobs were affected by the pandemic.
“I know the situation but we have to be hopeful,” he added. In an article released by the Mabalacat City Information Office, he likewise expressed his gratitude to the Clark Development Corp. and its locators for their support on the City’s Covid-19 efforts and programs.
“Hindi ko man kayo ma-isa-isa lahat, taos puso ko kayong pinasasalamatan. Maraming maraming salamat po,” he said.