(CITYHOOD. Mayor Edwin Santiago and Kaganapan 2019 execom chair Engr. Fer Caylao lead local officials and other stakeholders at the launch of the cityhood celebrations. Photo by Bong Lacson)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Mayor Edwin D. Santiago launched the month-long celebration of this capital city’s 18th cityhood anniversary dubbed, “Kaganapan 2019.”
On Monday, Santiago led the unveiling of the calendar of events for Kaganapan 2019 in front of the city hall that signaled the start of the celebration with the theme: “Ratsada Ning Serbisyu. Diretsu Ing Asensu#MipanyadsadAlangTitiplad.”
“Today, we formally launch this year’s celebration of the cityhood anniversary of San Fernando as it marked its 18th year,” the mayor said.
“This manifests our mission of providing excellent and quality public service to our constitguents. King Kapampangan, lapo-lapo ing pamamye tamung serbisyu kareng kabalen tamu keti San Fernando uling uri tamu pane lang mumuna at manimuna,” he declared.
This capital city became a component city on February 4, 2001 following the approval of Republic Act 8990 in a plebiscite the previous day during the administration of then mayor Dr. Rey B. Aquino and 3rd District Rep. Oscar S. Rodriguez.
“Kumbaga sa isang babae, ang siyudad ay magde-debut na kaya naman napakaraming aktibidad na inihanda sa pagtutulungan ng city government at private sector sa pamamagitan ng executive committee headed by Engr. Ferdinand Caylao,” Santiago said.
“Our primary goal is to be a model city of countryside development through eff ective and socially inclusive governance that will enhance the quality of life of every Fernandino,” he added.
Santiago said back in 2004, the city’s projected income was only P400 million. Now it is P1.7 billion.
“Let us work hand-in-hand to make our city even better,” he said.
“Gusto natin ang lahat ay kasali kung kaya naman mas pinaganda ang mga programa at aktibidad ngayong taon. Bata, matanda, babae, lalaki at maging mga miyembro ng lesbian, gay, bisexual at transgender community,” Santiago said.
“All together, we surely can reach greater heights,” he added.
San Fernando was the 99th city in the Philippines at the time of its ratifi cation.
Among the activities for this year include the Teachers’ Heroism Day on January 31; Kaganapan Citywide Sale on February 1 to 15; Citywide Clean-up Day on February 1; Padyak Para Sa Kalusugan at Kalikasan and CLRAA participants send off on February 2; GongXi Facai: Chinese New Year Celebration, Experience China Exhibit, and Spring Festival Concert on February 3 to 9.
There will also be a thanksgiving Mass, multi-sectoral assembly, and The Outstanding Fernandino Awards 2019 on February 4; launching of the City Civic Center on February 6; Cityhood Agri and Trade Fair on February 6 to 9; Refill Revolution and Cityhood Job Fair on February 8; Pet Mo Show Mo, Rabies Forum, and Inter-Barangay LGBT Festival of Talents on February 9.
A Market Summit and launching of Urban Gardening- Subdivision on February 11; Farm Link on February 12; Harana (Tribute to Empowered Fernandino) and SM Foundation Inc. “Gamot Para Sa Kapwa” Medical and Dental Mission on February 13; Farmers’ Day on February 14; Kasalan King Balen on February 14 to 15; Zumba Marathon on February 15; Motorcade and Opening of Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament, Kayanakang Fernandino Concert and Dance Contest, and Launching of Joint Fire and Rescue Olympics on February 16.
Others are Fernandino E-Sports Cup Assembly and Fernandino E-sports Tournament on February 16 to 17; Seniors Day Out on February 18 to 22; Parenting Seminar of ECCD Parents on February 19; Parenting Seminar of School-based Parents on February 20 and 26 to 28; Blood Letting Project on February 21; Employees’ Day (E-Day), Sports Fest Kick-Off and Lakan At Mutya Ning City Hall on February 22; Traffic Summit on February 23; and Me-Negosyo on February 26.
