Malabon marks 5th cityhood anniversary

The Malabon local government kicks off today a month-long celebration marking its fifth cityhood anniversary with a Thanksgiving Mass to be followed by the unveiling of several major projects in the city.

Mayor Canuto "Tito" Oreta said that the city government, its local officials, employees and residents must be thankful to God for what the city has achieved.

The day-one activity would be highlighted by the introduction of the 21 Mutya candidates representing Malabon City’s 21 barangays.

According to Bong Padua, Oreta’s public information officer, since Malabon became a city on May 21, 2001, improvements, including significant reduction in the city’s perennial flood problem, have been achieved.

"Apart from flood problem moderation, City Hall employees are now enjoying financial benefits from the city government due to improved tax collections," Padua said.

He attributed this to the computerization of City Hall operations.

Padua said that during the month-long event, an P80-million state-of-art sports complex to be constructed adjacent of the city’s amphitheater would be unveiled as well as the new site for a modern prison building in Barangay Catmon and the initial opening of at least six barangay-based drug stores.

A job fair in every barangay would also held, which is a project that is expected to push through the entire year.

"There are various noteworthy programs lined up for the month-long activity," Padua said.

He said that at least 98 flood control projects initiated by Oreta, including the upgrade of waterways, canals and streets, the construction and installation of river walls would be fully operational.

Padua said these are Oreta’s priority infrastructure projects in preparation for the onset of the rainy season.