CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Raising the quality of life of the less privileged sectors of society get the spotlight in the celebration of the 442nd Aldo ning Kapampangan that started rolling this week.
“Rather than a show of extravagance, the celebrations will focus on our Aeta communities, farmers, the marginalized sectors and how we can help them gain self-sufficiency through the provision of livelihood that will in turn further improve the local economy,” said Gov. Lilia G. Pineda.
This, she added, is in keeping with this year’s theme of “Misasanmetung a Balayan ding Mikakalugud a Kapampangan.” On Friday, Pineda is expected to open a trade fair and business conference at the SM City Pampanga to push for the promotion and sale of Kapampangan products, mostly food, capitalizing on the province being the acknowledged culinary capital of the Philippines.
Pineda said enhanced food production, which is a priority of her administration, will “greatly impact” on the lives of the province’s over 32,000 farmers. On Saturday, some 4,500 tribal families from Porac, Floridablanca and Mabalacat City will have their own Aeta Day of celebrations and outreach services.
In the afternoon of the same day, Pineda will join the “Duman Festival” in Sta. Rita, known for its sweets and pastries. The most sought and exotic “duman” is a “light pale gold or green delicacy of pounded unripe glutinous rice (lacatan).”
On Sunday, the 22 candidates of Mutya ning Ka Ning Kapampangan 2013 will visit the Qatar Airways officials at the Clark International Airport as part of the pageant and the Pineda administration’s show of support in the promotion of the CIA as an international gateway of the country.
On Monday at the Capitol compound, Pineda will turn-over Nego- Kart to ambulant vendors and material inputs
to members of sampaguita growers cooperatives in line with the provincial government’s livelihood support system. .
“Our government is committed in promoting work and livelihood for those who are not employed,” said Pineda,
who has released more than P40 million in loan for livelihood assistance. December 10 has been designated Farmers Day and coronation night of the Mutya Ning Kapampangan.
In the evening of December 11 – Pampanga Day itself – is the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards that honor the best and the brightest of the cabalens in the fields of government service, business, social service, sports, science, health, agriculture, peace and order, parenthood, education, journalism and others.
