MATI CITY – This city is excited about the 15th Cityhood Day and the 19th Pujada Bay Festival which for the first time its people are celebrating face-to-face after missing them for two years due to a pandemic.
"Yes, this is the first time we celebrated the festivities after the two years threat brought about by the Covid-19,” said Mati City vice-mayor Glenda Rabat-Gayta in an interview during the grand opening of the weeklong festival on June 13, Monday evening.
“The entire Mati is excited with this celebration," she added.
The celebration will last until June 19.
Rabat-Gayta said though that the local government is still enforcing the health protocols such as wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and bringing of handy hygiene kits to ensure the safety of everyone.
"Tourist-friendly naman ang projection namin for Mati City. I believe we are ready . We are bracing ourselves for the influx of people. Just a friendly reminder also to everyone, do not leave your garbage anywhere," said Rabat-Gayta.
Rabata-Gayta said that the local government always maintains Mati as one of the cleanest and the greenest places anyone can ever visit, as it is blessed with a lot of natural resources.
Among the week-long activities are the Mugna Pantasya, Mural Wall Painting Competition, Kalingawan sa Pujadafest, LGBTQ Night, Banca Race, Film Festival, Gen-Youth Night, Panaghugpong sa mga Mananagat Fisherfolks Day, Battle of the Bands, and Pujada Dance Festival.
Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat said in her video message that this year's celebration of their Cityhood Day and Pujada Bay would be grandiose as they are looking forward to more opportunities for the city, especially the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Pa bongga tayo ngayon because we are not only celebrating the Cityhood of Mati, but we are also celebrating life," Mayor Michelle said as she also thanked all the frontliners and health workers for their efforts and hardwork following the health emergency that hit the country and the city as well.
As of June 13, the Mati City noted zero new active confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection. The city, however, still reminds the public to abide with the health protocols.