P20 million for Capitol founding rites

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government has allocated ?20 million for this year's 457th Founding Anniversary celebration in August, with a month-long lineup of activities highlighted by a new province-wide cultural showcase, medical missions, and the State of the Province Address of Governor Pamela Baricuatro.

Capitol Executive Assistant James Canoy said the calendar of activities has already been finalized and preparations are now in their final stages.

He said the approved budget for the celebration amounts to ?20 million, which will cover the various programs and activities lined up throughout August.

The celebration will officially begin on August 2 with the First Governors Run, marking the opening activity of this year's commemorative events.

The formal opening salvo will follow on August 3 through a flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol grounds to be led by the governor, Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, members of the Provincial Board, and attended by mayors, congressmen, and other local officials from across Cebu.

An Agri-Fair Trade will also open on August 3 and will run until August 8, showcasing agricultural products and local industries from various parts of the province.

On August 6, the actual founding anniversary, the Capitol will hold a Mass followed by a raffle for Capitol employees. A luncheon will also be conducted within their respective offices.

Beyond the anniversary day, the provincial government has also scheduled a series of medical and surgical missions throughout the month.

Canoy said the first week of the outreach activities will be held in Danao City, while the second week is being finalized between Bantayan Island and the Camotes Islands. The third week will bring the medical mission to Bogo City.

In addition, the Capitol will conduct a Caravan of Services every Wednesday of August to bring various government services closer to communities.

Another major activity is the Information Officers Congress on August 12 and 13, which will be organized by the Provincial Information Office.

The month-long celebration will culminate on August 31 with Governor Baricuatro's State of the Province Address.

The same day will also feature Pasundayag and Pasidungog, two cultural events that will be staged at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

Canoy explained that the Pasundayag will showcase decorated carrozas representing different parishes, while Pasidungog will feature festival performances from participating local government units.

Seven local government units have already committed to perform during Pasidungog. These are Borbon, Carmen, Toledo City, Dumanjug, Argao, the City of Naga, and Carcar City.

The participation of Palawod Festival from Bantayan Island, however, is still being finalized.

Pasidungog effectively replaces the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, the province-wide cultural competition initiated during the previous administration.

Nearly a year after Baricuatro announced the discontinuation of Pasigarbo, the Capitol is introducing a leaner cultural showcase aimed at bringing Cebu's festivals back to the spotlight without the high cost associated with the former event.

Meanwhile, in the Pasundayag, the Capitol has increased the financial assistance for participants to ?100,000, significantly higher than last year's ?30,000 allocation.

Canoy said the amount is intended to augment the initial ?1-million subsidy provided for the activity.

This year's celebration will also mark the first recognition program for retired Capitol employees, bringing together former provincial government workers in a special gathering during the anniversary festivities.

Canoy said preparations for the month-long celebration are already nearing completion.

"We're in 80 to 85%," he said.

The Cebu Provincial Capitol celebrates its founding anniversary every August 6, a special non-working holiday observed throughout Cebu Province, including Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City.

The occasion commemorates the 1569 decree of Spanish King Philip II appointing Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as the governor of Cebu. -  BRP (CEBU NEWS)