MABALACAT, Pampanga -- Mayor Marino Morales yesterday gladly announced that the cityhood they have been aspiring for this first-class municipality will soon be a reality.

Morales said the Senate committee on local government has approved on its second reading House Bill 2509/4736 or the “Mabalacat Cityhood Bill” last Jan. 31.

“It’s one step closer to cityhood,” Morales said as he expressed his gratitude to Senators Lito Lapid, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Tito Soto, Franklin Drilon, Jinggoy Estrada and Rep. Carmelo Lazatin for their full support in sponsoring the “Mabalacat Cityhood Bill.”

Morales had already embarked on a beautification plan for Mabalacat town expected to become a full-fledge city by 2013, the same year which the town will celebrate its 300th founding anniversary.

“After 300 years, Mabalacat will be a component city complete with an international airport, freeport zone and modern expressways,” said Morales.

Morales said a stimulus funding of P500 million was already allocated for the development of major infrastructure projects to complement to the turning of Mabalacat town into a component city.

Several of this projects are the new Mabalacat public market, a “Triple A” slaughterhouse, the complete lighting of major roadways, construction of additional classrooms at Mabalacat Community College and the proposed 168 Retail Store building in Bgy. Mabiga.

“With this projected structures, Mabalacat will become the center of trade in Pampanga because it will play a major role in the development of the Clark International Airport. Also, more hotels will be built in Mabalacat to accommodate the influx of tourists,” said Morales.

It is expected that a referendum will be held for the passage of the bill, which is greatly anticipated by residents.

Mabalacat stands to earn P800 million this year. Last year, the town earned more than P500 million in revenues.