Simple but meaningful Mandaue Charter fete

CEBU, Philippines - The 45th anniversary celebration of the Charter Day of Mandaue City on August 30 will be simple but meaningful, according to Councilor Diosdado Suico yesterday.

Suico, executive chairman of this year's Mandaue Charter Day celebration, said they are now in process of preparing for the different activities of the incoming celebration.

According to Councilor Suico, the committee agreed to make this year's celebration meaningful. Mayor Jonas Cortes reportedly wants the celebration simple.

Suico said different committees have been tasked to prepare their respective activities during the Charter Day celebration.

"Gipaningkamotan nato nga mahatagan gyud og igong kamadasigon ang atong umaabot nga Charter Day celebration (We are doing our best to give vigor to our Charter Day celebration)," said Councilor Suico.

Earlier, the Mandaue City Council passed a resolution requesting President Benigno Aquino III to issue a proclamation declaring August 29 as a special non-working holiday in the city as it celebrates its Charter Day anniversary.

Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and members of the City Council agreed to pass the resolution introduced by Councilor Suico.

The resolution said then municipality of Mandaue was converted and upgraded into a city by virtue of  Republic Act 5519, otherwise known as the Charter of Mandaue City, which was approved on June 21,1969.

The resolution further said for the city to be fully prepared for transition period from municipality to the status of cityhood, a subsequent Presidential Proclamation No. 586 was issued by then president Ferdinand Marcos through Executive Secretary Ernesto M. Maceda on August 6 of the same year.

August 30, 1969 was designated as the date of the formal organization of the government of the City of Mandaue.

With Presidential Proclamation No. 586, series of 1969 as legal basis to anchor and lean on, the resolution said the city officialdom and the townspeople of Mandaue hold on to its noble tradition in celebrating the Charter Day anniversary on August 30.

Mandaue City officials are hoping President Aquino will positively respond to their request. (FREEMAN)