SAMAL, Bataan — This agricultural town on Wednesday began the celebration of its 381st Foundation Day with a long and colorful parade.
Mayor Aida Macalinao led the parade which was participated by members of different sectors, including the religious group headed by Fr. Roderick Miranda, parish priest of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente.
Images of Saint Catherine of Siena and other saints were in the activity.
Samal was founded as a municipality on April 20, 1641 with Saint Catherine of Siena as patron saint.
The town has the second oldest Catholic church in Bataan at 426 years next to Abucay church built 434 years ago.
Members of the Senakulo who staged a street play on the Passion of Christ last Good Friday for the first time after two years of inactivity due to the pandemic added color to the occasion.
“Sama-sama nating ipagdiwang ang ika-381 taong pagkakatatag ng Bayan ng Samal simula April 20 – 30, 2022,” the mayor enthused.
Other activities lined-up are ecumenical night, “lakas muscle showdown,” Mutya ng Samal coronation, “pasiklaban sa bayan ng Samal,” mayor’s night and fireworks display.
The celebration culminates on April 30, the feast day of the town known for oysters, green mussels, kapiz, and araro cookies.
