12TH SANGGUNIANG AYAN ADOPTS STATE OF CALAMITY IN PAMPANGA DUE TO HABAGAT, ENABLING MEXICO TO UNDERTAKE EMERGENCY RESPONSE, RELIEF, RECOVERY, AND REHABILITATION MEASURES IN ITS 56TH REGULAR SESSION

Among the significant matters taken up was Proposed Resolution No. 437-2026, upon the request of Municipal Mayor Hon. Rodencio S. Gonzales, adopting Provincial Resolution No. 10524, Series of 2026, declaring a State of Calamity throughout the Province of Pampanga due to the adverse effects of the Enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and providing for the necessary actions in the Municipality of Mexico, Pampanga.

With the Province under a State of Calamity, the Sangguniang Bayan continues to perform its legislative responsibilities and work on necessary measures that support the Municipality’s response to the situation. Even amid the prevailing weather conditions, the Council continues to work because public service must go on, especially when the community needs responsive action the most.

The Council likewise took up Proposed Measure No. 092-2026, requiring the submission of Structural Stability Certification for covered commercial and industrial buildings to promote earthquake resilience, disaster risk reduction, and public safety. The measure was considered on Second Reading.

Several proposed resolutions were also referred to the appropriate committees for further study, including measures involving ambulance services, medical assistance, free hemodialysis treatment for qualified indigent residents, the Special Program in the Arts, maternal and newborn referral services, and chemotherapy services for eligible cancer patients.

On local finance and development, the Council considered measures approving the Supplemental Budget No. 1 of Barangays Lagundi, San Patricio, and San Miguel, as well as the Supplemental Annual Investment Program (AIP) No. 08 for Calendar Year 2026 of the Municipality of Mexico.

The Sangguniang Bayan also took up the proposed adoption and implementation of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program (PQPP) in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as well as measures concerning the drainage canal project in Barangay Camuning and transportation concerns involving TODA Balas and TODA San Carlos in providing services to students of Mexico National High School.

Also considered was Proposed Resolution No. 438-2026, seeking to amend Section 16 of the Internal Rules of Procedure of the Sangguniang Bayan to provide for the proper disposition of regular sessions falling on days of suspension of work and to authorize the conduct of regular sessions through online or virtual means when circumstances warrant. On Third and Final Reading, the Council considered measures concerning the rezoning of a property in Barangay Sto. Cristo and the updating of the ordinance granting free movie access to qualified bona fide resident senior citizens and persons with disability.

Despite the challenges brought by the prevailing weather conditions, the 12th Sangguniang Bayan, under the leadership of Vice Mayor Hon. Jonathan R. “Doc” Pangan, Presiding Officer, continues to carry out its legislative duties, addressing matters that directly affect the safety, welfare, and daily lives of the people of Mexico.

Public service does not stop when the people of Mexico need it most.