It is the fifth time that the mayor was invited to address similar ADB-sponsored forum on urban development, poverty alleviation and environmental concerns. He has been invited to Sri Lanka, Canada, China and Unites States of America.
In his invitation to Abalos, ADB Senior Capacity Building Specialist Dieter Bucher said the request for Abalos’ presence was because the Mandaluyong mayor has "substantial work in effective urban management, particularly in the context of poverty reduction and social development."
Bucher requested Abalos to prepare a presentation regarding how Mandaluyong City fights poverty and contributes to social development.