LEVY Laus Honored in Mabalacat Cityhood Anniversary

  LEVY Laus honored in Mabalacat Cityhood anniversary MABALACAT CITY – This city’s grateful officials and residents, on Friday night, bestowed honor and recognition on the late Liberato “Levy” P. Laus, founder of Laus Group of Companies in ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of Mabalacat Cityhood. In a formal event dubbed as “In10sified” at the SMX Convention in Clark that capped the week-long celebration, the late business mogul and civic leader, represented by widowed wife Tess Laus, was recognized for leading efforts in the passage of Republic Act 9400 or Clark Freeport Law during his stint as president of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in 2006-2008. The law did not only save Clark from the exodus of investors and locators due to flawed basis in duty free importation privileges but has also paved the way for an increased income of this city through its two percent shares from the Gross Income Earned remitted by Clark enterprises. Mayor Crisostomo Garbo expressed gratefulness for the efforts of the late as GIE that accrues to this city now reaches an average P700 million annually. “Mr. Laus is a leading proponent and advocate of countryside development. He has shown that by helping ensure that LGUs around Clark like Mabalacat would get income shares remitted by investors inside the Freeport. Such vision and accomplishment now redound to more services and benefits for residents,” Garbo said. In her speech, Mrs. Laus who served as guest of honor, thanked Mabalacat officials led by Garbo. She was joined by daughter Dior. “I would like to thank Mabalacat City, headed by Mayor Garbo, for honoring Mr Laus. I think this is the very first time that his efforts that led to the increased income of Clark LGUs are being recognized,” she said. She also noted the ongoing development and growing business activities in this city. “As you know, my family, together with my late husband Levy, is engaged in the business and development industry. I can firmly say that the City of Mabalacat is the place to be for local and international investments, tourism development, cultural awareness, and development of civic consciousness. All of these are becoming possible through its visionary and hardworking public servants headed by the City Mayor and the City Council, massive infrastructure developments, social welfare programs, and people-centered governance,” she added. During the program that also feted other partners in government, business leaders, city government employees, Laus was honored for being “responsible for leading lobby efforts for the passage of RA 9400 or the Clark Freeport Law”. City government officials recognized Laus for leading lobby efforts in both houses of Congress, citing him for his advocacy in countryside development. This, he has exemplified in rallying locators, residents and LGUs. The result of Clark Freeport Law is the yearly windfall of about P700 million in Mabalacat City funds. The event also honored 10 Model employees of the city government and has also recognized the contributions of government agencies like BCDA, DOH, POPCOM, business leaders, and other partners from the private sector. —Noel Tulabut   © SUNSTAR PAMPANGA