Caloocan City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri led the city Monday in celebrating “Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino” with a fashion show at the city hall, initiated by the city’s cultural affairs and tourism office.
The celebration was in consonance with Proclamation 241, directing every civil servant of the local government to wear traditional Filipino attire and costumes for an entire day as part of the celebration.
City hall officials and employees tried to outdo each other in the fashion show, held at the Bulwagang Katipunan of the city hall building.
Among those strutted on the catwalk were Secretary to the Mayor Romeo Alcantara (barong Tagalog); Carmenia Abel (Mangyan); Labor and Industrial Relations chief Dante Esteban (Igorot); City Engineer Rolando Eduria (Bagobo); Business Permit and Licensing Office chief Lanie Malaya (B’laan); Anton Pulmano (Barong Tagalog); City Treasurer Lourdes Jose (Tagalog Kimona); Edna Centeno (Igneg); Civil Registry Department chief Lucena Flores (Maranao); Office of Senior Citizen Affairs chief Rosita Obina (Tagalog Maria Clara); People’s Law Enforcement Board chief Flora Bombase (Muslim wedding dress); Nitz Macavinta (Maranao); City Budget officer-in-charge Jesusa Garcia, (Modern Ifugao); Assistant City Treasurer Evie Garma (Cariñosa); Sports chief Dindo Simpao (Maranao); and Parks chief Jess Acenas (Mandaya).
Echiverri said even though city hall officials and employees were dressed in different costumes, their participation conveyed unity in diversity and showcased the creativity of the Filipino spirit.
He said the celebration shows there is hope for unity amid differing interests and priorities, and reflects our rich and historic past. – Jerry Botial