LARENA, Siquijor (PIA) — The province of Siquijor celebrated its 53rd Founding Anniversary from September 2 to 19 highlighted by activities geared towards promoting unity and resilience among Siquijodnons.
The provincial government led the simultaneous distribution of government assistance nationwide, known as “Halad sa Katawhan: Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyo Sapat Para sa Lahat,” which was part of the 67th birthday celebration of Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr..
Local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs) provided free services, including the distribution of financial assistance through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and Ayuda para sa Kapos Ang Kita (AKAP) ) program.
“Niari ko diri aron maka-avail ko sa TUPAD ug sa PSA. Excited kaayo ko kay first time pa gyud nako nga naka-attend ko ug ingon ani,” said Pureza Dolor, 40, from Barangay Nagerong, Lazi, Siquijor.
(I came here so that I can avail of the TUPAD and PSA services. I’m so excited because it’s the first time I’ve ever attended a program like this.)
Maymay Banaua, 41, and Mercy Joan Ogoc, 43, both from Barangay Luyang, Siquijor, Siquijor have availed of the free medical consultations and medicines during the Halad sa Katawhan 2024.
“Daghan kaayong salamat sa akong na-avail nga tambal, kay vitamins kini ako na gyud ni siyang mainom, daghan kaayong salamat sa ga-sponsor niini,” Banaua said.
(Thank you so much for the medicines and the vitamins that I can take.)
“Niari ko diri kay magpacheck-up ko sa akong mata, dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay girecommend ko nila nga ila kong tawagan kon puede ba daw mosugot ko nga operahan ko nila,” said Ogoc.
(I came to have my eyes checked. I am very grateful for the recommendation. They called to see if I would submit to an eye operation.)
The celebration also highlighted the province’s history, culture, and arts with a series of activities and exhibits participated in by the six municipalities, NGAs, academe, and other stakeholders.
The Agri-Tourism Fair, also dubbed ‘Halad Siquijodnon,’ showcased the province’s local agricultural products, handicrafts and industries from the six municipalities, highlighted by the Search for Best Local Farm Tourism Site and Best Booth during the opening on Sept. 14.
With the theme “Paglambo sa Turismo ug Agrikultura: Kahiusahan Alang sa Probinsya,” the fair ran from Sept. 14 to 17.
Adding colors to the celebration were the Grand Parade, Float Contest and Solili Festival Competition on Sept. 17, Siquijor Island Masters of Mixology Cup, Hudyaka sa Kapitolyo, Siquijor Festival Queen, various sports games, and SiquiRoar 4.0 featuring famous bands performances.
‘Pasidungog’ (recognition) were also given to individuals, groups and agencies that have contributed to the development of Siquijor on Sept. 19.
Cong. Zaldy S. Villa of the lone district of Siquijor, in his speech during the Anniversary program, lauded Siquijor’s leap from 5th class to a 3rd class province in Central Visayas.
Villa highlighted the significance of what he calls as “historic achievement,” which he attributed to the resilience, collaboration and coordinated efforts of the Siquijodnons.
“Pagkasuerte kaayo sa atong probinsya because for so long nga 5th class ang atong probinsiya, naibot na gyud ta ug niambak na pagka 3rd class, wala niagi ug 4th class,” he said.
(How lucky our province is because for so long it has been a 5th class province. Now we have been uprooted and leaped to 3rd class, without passing through 4th class.)
Villa encouraged every Siquijodnon to cherish their history, acknowledge progress, and keep striving for greater success of the province.
“Ang atong resilience, pagtinabangay ug paningkamot (our resilience, teamwork and effort) have been our greatest assets. Ang mga hagit nga atong naagian (the challenges that we have gone through), have strengthened us as a province,” Villa said.
With the theme, “Nagkahiusa’ng Siquijodnon alang sa Malamboong Probinsya,” the province of Siquijor commemorated its 53rd Founding Anniversary on Sept. 17 by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 6398, which created Siquijor Island into an independent province.
On Jan. 10, 1994, under RA 7673, Sept. 17 of every year was declared as a non-working special public holiday for the province. (RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)
