Simple founding anniversary celebration

CEBU, Philippines - For the 444th founding anniversary of the Province of Cebu, Capitol will hold a weeklong celebration instead of the usual month-long activities as practiced during the time of then governor, now third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia.

In his meeting with Capitol department heads yesterday, Gov. Hilario Davide III said that Capitol will do away with the holding of the Governor’s Ball as he finds the activity extravagant.

An agri-fair will mark the opening of the celebration on August 1, a Thursday.

There will be programs and contests during the days leading to the founding day on August 6.

“It will be a simple, yet a meaningful celebration for the founding anniversary,” Davide said.

He cited no particular reason of shortening the activities though he had already said they have to avoid unnecessary expenses.

The governor also explained that there will be no Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals this year because of the lack of time for its preparation.

Meanwhile, Davide also has yet to announce the amount of anniversary bonus Capitol officials and employees will be receiving.

Davide said he still has to discuss the matter with the budget officer and the treasurer.

August 6, which is the founding day, is a special non-working holiday in the entire province including highly urbanized cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu.

Republic Act 8952 provides that the holiday for private and public offices is to be enjoyed all over Cebu, including Cebu City and other component cities.

In 1993, a resolution was approved by the Provincial Board stating that Spain’s King Philip II, in a royal cedula, appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as Governor of Cebu on August 6, 1569. — /MBG (FREEMAN)