Pasig marks 433rd Foundation Day: From sleepy town to boom city

Highly progressive Pasig City will mark its 433rd Foundation Day with numerous activities that would accentuate the historical importance of the once sleepy town.

Pasig came into being on July 2, 1573 in time for the inauguration of the mission-parish on the Feast of the Visitation. It was the first Marian parish in the Philippines.

This historical detail points to the importance of Pasig as a civil and ecclesiastical center from the earliest year of the Spanish colonial era.

The town of Pasig was used to be the capital of Rizal province before it became part of the National Capital Region after the creation of the Metro Manila Commission in 1970.

The former town was transformed into a highly urbanized city on Dec. 8, 1994 after the ratification of the people of Pasig and subsequently former President Fidel Ramos’ signing into law of Republic Act 7892.

In 1992, Mayor Vicente Eusebio inherited the Pasig government with a cash deficit of more than P100 million.

Today, Pasig is one of the most financially stable cities, on top of being the center of the country’s investments.

As part of its founding celebration, Eusebio approved the recommendation of the Executive Committee chaired by his wife, former Mayor Soledad Eusebio, for the holding of various activities aimed at inspiring all Pasigueños.

The celebration will kick off today with a job fair conducted by the Public Service Employment Office (PSEO).

Activities lined up for tomorrow are the Palarong Pinoy, an on -the-spot painting contest, dance sport, cheering competition, choral recitation, and the Ang Galing ng Batang Pasigueño showcase.

Scheduled for July 1 is a public service program called "Kalingang Pasigueño," a drum and lyre competition, historical exhibits, Kusinang Pasigueno, a mass wedding and the Dangal ng Pasig awards.

On July 2, the day would start with a thanksgiving Mass, a civic parade and the "Likhap" festival.

The Office of the President earlier approved the request of Eusebio to declare July 3 as a special non-working day for the city, through Proclamation 1091 signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita. — Non Alquitran