118th Independence Day 2016, 47th Founding Anniversary Celebrates in Pagadian City

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 12, 2016) – The Local Government Units (LGU) officials of this city joins the celebration of the 118^th Araw ng Kalayaan 2016 held at the Rizal Monument, City Hall Complex, City Plaza Luz.

The 118^th Araw ng Kalayaan 2016 event carries the theme “Kalayaan 2016: pagkakaisa, pag-aambagan, pagsulong” started at 7am today through a holy mass, flag raising ceremony and followed the flower offering.

Pagadian City Mayor Remeo “Tata” Pulmones in his welcome message quoting the statement of Former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt siting four important human freedoms “1^st is the freedom of speech and expression, 2^nd freedom to worship in God, 3^rd freedom from want which translated in economic understanding which secure every nation healthy and peaceful life and healthy inhabitants everywhere in the world and 4^th is freedom from fear, a whole world reduction of armaments to such a point that no nation to be in a position to commit an act of trouble against any neighbors that’s also everywhere in the world.” He urge everybody as we welcome the new national leaders in our country for a unity with harmony to contribute something to our nation to move towards a better tomorrow and a better Pagadian, Pulmones said.

The celebration attended by the representative from the Army’s 1^st Infantry (Tabak Division), Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Command and City Police Station headed by PNP Provincial Director Senior Supt. Michael Nicolas and the Officials from this City headed by the Local Chief Executive.

The Araw ng Kalayaan celebration is also simultaneously kick-off for the week-long celebration of the 47^th Charter Day of Pagadian City.

The culmination will be on June 21, 2016 with theme: “Kahiusahan sa katawhan, kusog sa dakbayan alang sa malahutayong kalinaw ug dugang kalambuan” (The Unity of the People, The Strength of the City for the Sustainable Peace and More Development).

City Councilor Bienvenido “Ben” Culve, Chairman of the Steering Committee of 47^th Araw ng Pagadian said the celebration of the 118^th Independence Day is part of the week-long activities of Araw ng Pagadian.

Culve said the Sports Activities was started last June 1 and participated by the City Government Employees and different urban barangays and on June 10 was the conduct of the City Wide Clean up while on June 11 was the practical shooting competition.

Other Activities is set on June 14 in the morning through Thanksgiving Mass at San Jose Parish Church followed by banner raising of 54 barangays of this city and motorcade around the major city streets and the opening of barangaylimpics and in the afternoon is the opening of the Agro-trade Fair at Covered Court, City Plaza Luz.

June 15 from 8am to 5pm is the continuation for barangaylimpics and 7pm is a Pre-Pageant of Ms. Pagadian to be participated by the 15 young beautiful ladies candidates in this city.

June 16 is the presentation of Ms. Pagadian Talent Competition held at C3 Mall and at 6:30pm will be the DepEd (Department of Education) Night.

June 17, Dart and Chess Competition to be held at C3 Mall.

June 18, the continuation of Dart and Chess Competition and in the evening will be Liga Night participated by the 54 barangays and its officials.

June 19, 7pm is the Ms. Pagadian Grand Coronation Night.

June 20, 1pm is the General Awarding to be held at the City Gym while during the culmination day on June 21, 2016 will be the Diana at 4am. Civic-Military Parade at 7am around the city major streets and followed by the Anniversary Program at 9am to be held at City Gym and Foam Party in the evening held at the City Wharf Area near the Philippine Port Authority Office (PPA).

Culve requested that for those who will attend the Foam Party the police will implement the rules which is the prohibition of wearing hats, jackets, and backpacks and strictly no illegal drugs.