CAMILING, Tarlac— Despite inclement weather, Mayor Joyce Agustin delivered her first State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) on August 19, 2026, at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Bayan, presenting a comprehensive report on her administration’s accomplishments over the past year while outlining ambitious plans for the municipality’s future.
The program, attended by Vice Mayor Gladys Agustin, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, barangay officials, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and various community sectors, showcased significant progress across economic development, social services, infrastructure, and governance.
Economic Gains and Agricultural Support
Mayor Agustin reported substantial advances in the agricultural sector, highlighting the Former Cash Assistance Program that provided P6.371 million to 6,371 farmers in 2025, followed by an additional P5.992 million benefiting 6,197 farmers in 2026. A major milestone was the establishment of the Municipal Swine Multiplier Farm in Barangay Bacsay, which began operations in April 2026.
The municipality’s fiscal capacity strengthened considerably with an approved annual budget of P475.4 million for 2026. Revenue collections from municipal enterprises reached P7.55 million from January to June 2026, marking a 24.3% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) expanded employment initiatives, partnering with 19 local employers and one overseas employer, accommodating 114 job seekers with 22 applicants hired on the spot.
Tourism and Cultural Development
In a historic achievement for local tourism, the municipality launched the first Maria Clara Festival from May 2 to 8, 2026, attracting more or less 5,000 visitors. The festival featured a Cookfest highlighting the renowned Chicharon Camiling, celebrating the town’s rich culinary heritage.
Tourism data showed 31,044 arrivals from July to December 2025, with 26,834 documented from January to June 2026, alongside 9,559 night guests. Business development flourished with 478 new business permits and 2,641 renewals processed, generating P34.46 million in revenues.
Healthcare Services and Social Welfare
The administration made significant strides in healthcare accessibility with the operationalization of the Camiling Super Health Center in Barangay Matubog, which has already served 745 patients. The Municipal X-ray Facility became fully operational with licensed personnel, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
The Municipal Health Office reported extensive services including:
– 340 pregnant women receiving prenatal care
– 6,532 boys benefiting from the annual Operation Tuli
– 10,270 patients assisted through the Maintenance Medicines Program, including 3,970 senior citizens
– 3,745 dental extractions performed
– 754 HIV screening tests conducted with zero positive cases
The municipality strengthened support for Persons with Disabilities by distributing 62 wheelchairs, 25 canes, 59 nebulizer units, and 12 blood pressure apparatuses. Senior citizen programs benefited 11,752 registered elderly, earning Camiling 6th place in the Provincial Search for Ulirang Nakakatanda.
Infrastructure Development
Infrastructure projects received substantial investment, with road construction totaling P24.4 million in 2025 across 21 barangays, covering 2.813 kilometers. An additional P8.45 million was allocated for road projects in 17 barangays in 2026.
Flood control initiatives included the rehabilitation of drainage canal systems in six barangays worth P10.1 million and the upgrading of dike retaining walls. The municipality also invested P7.1 million in Early Childhood Care and Development Centers and P3.5 million in multi-purpose buildings across various barangays.
Public facilities saw improvements totaling P12.1 million in 2025 and P14.9 million in 2026, including renovations at the Municipal Building, Maria Clara Auditorium, Rural Health Unit, and Public Market. CCTV installation at the Municipal Compound and Public Plaza is currently underway.
Peace, Order, and Disaster Preparedness
The Camiling Municipal Police Station strengthened law enforcement operations, while the LGU provided a motorcycle to the Camiling Fire Station for improved mobility. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducted 18 earthquake and basic life support drills and participated in six specialized training programs. A Water Level Monitoring System was installed at the Old Bridge for real-time flood monitoring.
Future Commitments
Mayor Agustin announced several priority projects for the coming years, including:
– Establishment of a Municipal Dialysis Center to provide accessible kidney care for residents
– Implementation of an LGU Cattle Dispersal Program to support farmers’ livelihoods
– Creation of a Municipal Disaster Command Center for centralized emergency response
– Review and amendment of the Market Code in preparation for the public market’s reopening
– Strengthening traffic management policies and designated parking areas
– Development of a Poblacion Master Drainage Plan in partnership with Tarlac Agricultural University
Call for Unity and Support
In her address, Mayor Agustin sought the continued support of the Sangguniang Bayan for legislative measures needed to realize these plans.
She emphasized the collaborative nature of governance, stating: “Ang kinabukasan ng Camiling ay hindi huhubugin ng iisang lider, iisang administrasyon, o isang yugto lamang ng ating kasaysayan. Ito ay huhubugin nating lahat.”
The mayor concluded with a promise to continue building a government that listens, understands, and acts not only for today’s generation but for the children and families who will inherit the Camiling they are building together.
