VICTORIA, Tarlac – Mayor Rex Villa Agustin presented the 2026 State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) on Monday, July 6, at the Bulwagan ng Tagumpay. The annual report outlined the local government’s achievements and future direction under the administration’s five key development sectors.
In his address, Mayor Villa Agustin detailed the municipality’s progress across Social Development, Economic Development, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Management, and Institutional Development — the pillars that he described as the foundation of “a stronger, more inclusive, and more solid Victoria.”
“Naniniwala tayo na ang tunay na pag-unlad ay nagsisimula sa pag-aalaga sa tao, lalo na sa mga walang kakayahang ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili,” the Mayor stated.
He added, “Patuloy nating isinulong ang mga programang tunay na nagbibigay ng pag-asa at pagkakataon sa ating mga kababayan.“
Among the notable accomplishments highlighted was the municipality’s nutrition program, which has screened 7,126 children for nutritional support.
“Hindi lang ito istatistika. Ito ay mahigit na 7,000 kabataan ng Victoria ang binigyan natin ng malusog na pangangatawan at mas magandang laban sa buhay,” Villa Agustin emphasized.
The Mayor also reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to education, citing expanded municipal educational assistance programs and early childhood education initiatives. Through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), the administration pledged to continue its supplementary feeding program and ensure that no student enters school without proper insurance coverage.
The SOMA served as both a progress report and a call to action, with Villa Agustin stressing the importance of unity among government employees, barangay officials, national agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
“Ang inyong patuloy na suporta, tiwala, at pakikiisa ang nagsisilbing inspirasyon upang higit pang pagbutihin ang ating paglilingkod at maisakatuparan ang mga programang magdadala ng pag-unlad sa ating bayan,” the Mayor said.
The SOMA is a constitutional and legal obligation of every local government unit, mandating the chief executive to report on the state of the locality and account for the use of public funds.
Beyond compliance, the SOMA serves as a vital platform for transparency and accountability, allowing constituents to evaluate their leaders’ performance and participate meaningfully in local governance. It also sets the policy direction for the coming year, ensuring that development plans remain responsive to the needs of the community.
The address concluded with a vision for a more progressive and stable Victoria, as Mayor Villa Agustin urged continued collaboration toward shared goals.
“Sama-sama nating ipagpatuloy ang pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, at tapat na paglilingkod tungo sa isang mas progresibo, mas matatag, at Mas Maunlad na Victoria.“
The 2026 SOMA reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to delivering efficient, transparent, and meaningful public service for the welfare of every Victoria resident.
