A glimpse of the Pangisdaan Festival in 2020. (Photo Courtesy: Navoteño Ako Facebook Page)

QUEZON CITY, (PIA)  -- The local government of Navotas is set to celebrate its 118th founding anniversary on January 16, with various activities centered around honoring the rich and vibrant culture of fisherfolk in the city as the ‘Fishing Capital of the Philippines.’ 

“Another fruitful year of overcoming challenges has come and gone. Through this celebration, we express our gratefulness for the guidance and blessings that we received from the Almighty for the past years,” said Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco. 

“The milestones we have achieved in our city are also made possible with the support and cooperation of Navoteños,” he added. 

The annual “Araw ng Mangingisda” will be held featuring symbolic competitions on boat racing and net mending. This event anchors the awarding of the “Top 10 Most Outstanding Fisherfolk” to recognize local fishermen who have greatly contributed to the thriving fishing industry of the city. 

The “Pangisdaan Festival” street dance competition will also return on stage after the pandemic hiatus. This will feature the creative tribute of junior and senior high school students of Navotas to the bountiful catch of fish resources. 

In a bid to strengthen marine conservation, the local government will likewise conduct simultaneous clean up activities in all barangays alongside the “Navotas Funbike” get-together ride initiative which similarly promotes active mobility. 

Meanwhile, the “Kalye Fiesta” banchetto-style night market will be open to the public at the Navotas Citywalk and Amphitheater. This will cater to the product offerings of 34 small and medium entrepreneurs towards the further promotion of the MSME sector. 

The groundbreaking of the Kaunlaran Super Health Center is also included in the lineup of activities for the founding anniversary celebration. This project aims to improve the access of residents to essential healthcare services. 

Among the other activities that are set out for the momentous celebration include the awarding of the Top 20 Taxpayers in Business and Realty, Zumba and Health Caravan for Lolo and Lola, Invitational Judo Tournament, and the Grand Parade which will be attended by popular artists. 

For its culminating activity, the local government will hold a city-wide distribution of rice pacts to residents from January 17 to 22. 

The collective Navotas Day celebration is anchored on the theme “Kapag Tulong-Tulong, Angat ALL, Saya ALL.” (JMP-PIA-NCR)