By Mae Singuay
The Bago City government has kicked-off the celebration for its 58th Charter Anniversary on Monday, February 12.
Reaping the gains since its formation as a city 58 years ago, Bago is once again celebrating its Charter Anniversary with month-long activities seen to further ignite the sense of pride among the Bagonhons.
With the theme “58 Years of Cityhood: Greener Horizons, Empowered Communities and Service Excellence,” this year’s celebration is scheduled from January 25 to February 29.
Bago Mayor Nicholas Yulo, who led the opening ceremony of the Agro-Industrial, Cultural and Educational Trade Fair on February 12, said it is important to reflect on the city government’s accomplishments in the past.
Yulo said this year’s theme is centered on the message that they cannot proceed to progress without the citizenry who are aware and empowered, and have contributed to the development.
The 58th Charter Anniversary celebration is also the city government’s tribute to the Bagonhons for helping the government in expanding and developing Bago into a progressive city.
“We have to celebrate whatever gains we had through the years,” Yulo said, adding that Bagonhons deserve to enjoy the festivities, considering that they have been the partner of the city government for the development.
“Our development should be inclusive, it should be sustainable. We owe it to our people to constantly give them excellent public service,” he stressed.
The city government has already conducted several activities as part of the Charter Anniversary celebration until the end of the month, including the Agro-Industrial, Cultural and Educational Trade Fair held at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center; live bands, pageant night and others.
On Monday, February 19, for the highlights, Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres will lead the annual flag raising ceremony in front of General Juan Araneta Monument at 7:30 a.m.
It will be followed by the Civic Military Parade on major city streets.
Later in the evening, thousands of Bagonhons and Negrense fans are expected to flock to the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Sports Center for the grand anniversary free concert featuring Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo and Filipino Rock Icon Bamboo Mañalac.
After the concert, revelers will be treated to a grand fireworks display./MS, WDJ