Zubiri: The measure provides the city with three annual observances

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Senate passed HB 7044 yesterday on its third and final reading, which establishes June 18 as Bacolod City’s Charter Day. RA 7724, signed in 1994 by then-President Fidel V. Ramos, initially marked October 19 as the city’s Charter Day.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the measure will give city residents three annual observances.

“Three celebrations instead of just two,” he affirmed, noting, city residents will have the opportunity to highlight “cityhood, history, and culture.”

“I propose to amend House Bill No. 7044, which sets June 18 of every year as the city’s Charter Day, by providing for two other events,” the senator added. “First, commemorating the city’s inauguration every October 19, and, second, adhering to the tradition of holding the Masskara Festival every fourth Sunday of October.”

He also acknowledged the opposition to the bill, saying, “They all raise valid points.”

Zubiri believes his amendment push would be a “win-win.”

Witnessing the bill’s passage in the Senate chamber were Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, City Councilors Em Ang and Bart Orola, former City Councilor Bobby Rojas, City Administrator John Orola, City Legal Officer Jose Bayatan, and lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya./DGB, WDJ