The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved an ordinance recognizing the observance of Thanksgiving, a holiday celebrated in the United States.

The ordinance, authored by City Councilor Sonya Verdeflor, recognizes the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day. The policy was passed alongside a resolution calling on Bacolodnons to celebrate the holiday and an executive order, issued by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, creating a committee to oversee the said celebration and declaring the observance a working holiday.

While the origin of the occasion stems from a harvest feast after the Pilgrims settled in what would become the United States back in the 17th century, the mayor’s order recognizes the holiday as an acknowledgement of “divine blessings” bestowed upon Bacolod City.

In observance of the new holiday, students offered prayers of thanksgiving during flag ceremonies yesterday.

Meanwhile, a program will also be held at the Bacolod City Government Center this morning./PLL, WDJ