By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
The Navotas City local government has kicked off the week-long celebration of the city’s 117th founding anniversary with a performance night called “Kalye Fiesta” at the Navotas Citywalk and Amphitheater on Monday, Jan. 9.
Kalye Fiesta is the banchetto-style night market held every Navotas Day since 2017 where guest bands perform and various vendors showcase their products.
"Dalawang taon din po tayong walang pagdiriwang ng ating anniversary dahil sa Covid. Sa kabila ng napakarami po nating pagsubok, problema, marami pa rin po tayong dapat pasalamatan. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyong lahat, sa inyong kooperasyon, sa inyong pagkakaisa (We haven't celebrated our anniversary for two years because of Covid. Despite the many trials and problems, we still have a lot to be thankful for. I thank all of you for your cooperation and unity)," Navotas City Mayor Mayor John Reynald “John Rey” Tiangco said.
He said there are 18 remaining active Covid-19 cases in the city.
Navotas Hanapbuhay Center’s Tulong Produkto Unit Head Cinderella Cunningham also expressed her gratitude to small, and medium, enterprises (SMEs) which participated in showcasing their products through Kalye Fiesta.
She said most vendors offer food products, including rice and pasta meals, fried and grilled foods, colored beverages, and pastries.
She added that performers from local bands, city schools, and community-based youth organizations will be performing every day until Jan. 16 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
In line with the celebration's theme, “Angat All, Saya All sa Pakikipagkapwa,” the city has prepared many activities, including boat racing, net mending, and boat distribution called "NavoBangka."
“We invite everyone to join our celebration. While the past years have been challenging for all of us, we remain thankful for the blessings, protection, and guidance we received from the Almighty,” the mayor added.
The city's foundation day is on Monday, Jan. 16, the city government said.
Also included in the Navotas Day lineup of activities are the Zumba and Health Caravan for Lolo and Lola, Funbike and Funbikers’ Race, and Open Air Martial Arts Exhibition.
The public was also advised of the road closures along R-10 Bridge (Centennial Park) North and South Bound to corner C-3 Road as part of the Navotas Funbikers Race.
The said lanes will be closed from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Jan. 15, to ensure the safety of the participants.
To cap off the celebration, the city government said it will distribute five kilos of rice to residents from Jan. 16 to 21.