CABANATUAN CITY – Malacanang has declared Feb. 3, Friday, a special non-working holiday in this city.
Per Proclamation 127 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, by the authority of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., dated Jan. 19, 2023, the day was declared holiday in the city to give its people an opportunity “to celebrate and participate” in its 73rd founding anniversary.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Cabanatuan be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” the proclamation reads.
This year’s celebration of the so-called Banatu Festival 2023 carries the theme “Bagong Sigla at Pag-Asa ng Isang Lungsod na Nagkakaisa.”
The activities include the two-night Sayaw Cabanatuan (Jan. 27 and 28), DepEd Night for the City Schools Division (Jan. 29), Barangay and SK Night (Jan. 30) celebration of Holy Mass, opening program for Banatu Festival and Ginoong Tricycle Driver 2023 (Jan. 31), Wellness Check Up by the city health office and Ms. Gay Cabanatuan Coronation Night (Feb. 1), Pet Day by city veterinary office and Bb. Cabanatuan 2023 Coronation Night (Feb. 2), Longganisa Festival and Araw ng Magsasaka, Zumbang Gabi and Gawad Parangal (Feb. 3).
The city government, led by Mayor Mayca Elizabeth Vergara and Vice Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara, also announced issuance of local birth, marriage and death certificates as well as late registration on civil registration documents will be free of charge on Feb. 1 and 2, as part of the city’s 73rd anniversary and Civil Registration Month.
Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Ria Vergara also joined the people of this city in the celebration as she vowed to work hard for the welfare of all sectors in her current and third term.