TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — Mayor Susan Yap delivered her State of the City Address (SOCA) for 2026 to mark her first year in office, highlighting a year defined by overcoming legal challenges, navigating budgetary hurdles, and fast-tracking social services for Tarlaqueños.
Standing before a packed Tarlac City Convention Center, with local officials and constituents in attendance, Yap reaffirmed her mandate following a unanimous 13-0 Supreme Court decision on July 29, which upheld her eligibility and the will of the electorate.
She also addressed the challenge of operating under a re-enacted budget for most of the year, noting that the 2026 Annual Budget was only transmitted on August 11.
“The path does not get easier,” Yap cautioned. “We are now expected to deliver twelve months of progress in the span of four… sa mga kasama ko sa City Hall, walang tulugan.”
Boost to Social Welfare and Health
The administration reported significant strides in social protection, reaching over 16,000 individuals through various national and local aid programs.
Among the key highlights was the fulfillment of a promise to increase the Annual Cash Benefit for senior citizens from P500 to P2,000, alongside a raise in burial assistance.
In healthcare, the Local Chief Executive emphasized accessibility, reporting that 65 medical missions have served approximately 17,000 residents.
She also announced that preparations are underway for the opening of the Tarlac City Hospital, currently projected for completion by the third quarter of 2027.
To address immediate needs, the city is expanding its dialysis center to accommodate patients requiring three treatments per week.
Economic Growth and Digitalization
Despite early-term obstacles, the city’s economy showed resilience with a nearly 7% increase in registered businesses.
Major investors like Ayala, Aboitiz, and Coca-Cola continue to expand in the city, while local trade fairs have generated P35 million for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Mayor also detailed a shift toward a “Smart City” roadmap, focusing on the digitalization of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) to ensure the “Ease of Doing Business.”
Recent digital initiatives include the launch of Free Public WiFi at the Downtown Market and the upcoming establishment of a Tarlac City Call Center to make government inquiries more accessible.
Food Security and Education
Agriculture remains a top priority, with the city adopting modern technology through Project SARAI for real-time crop forecasting.
The Mayor announced a major Rice Distribution Assistance Program in partnership with the Provincial Government, aiming to provide 10 kilograms of rice to approximately 90,000 indigent households twice before the end of 2026.
For the youth, the city has allocated P30 million for scholarships benefiting 1,800 students.
New infrastructure is also on the horizon, with 10-classroom buildings planned for Tarlac West Central and Balete Elementary Schools, and a 12-classroom building for Sapang Maragul Integrated School.
A Vision for a ‘Livable’ City
The Mayor concluded by outlining a comprehensive list of future plans, including a Drainage Masterplan, a Tourism Development Master Plan, and an Urban Greening Program.
She also introduced the “Kalat to Kart” program, an expansion of previous recycling efforts that allows residents to trade various recyclable materials for grocery vouchers.
Addressing the citizens directly, Mayor Yap-Sulit noted that while the role of a mayor involves resolving micro-problems with urgency, the successes of the past year were a collective effort.
“Every accomplishment this year has been a shared accomplishment… This is the city we are building, not for ourselves, but for every Tarlaqueño who will call this place home.”
