Hundreds of Manileños joined and watched the civil and military parade highlighting the celebration of the 453rd founding anniversary of the City of Manila on Monday, June 24.
The parade was held along Dagonoy and Onyx Streets in San Andres, Manila on Monday, June 24.
Led by Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, the city government presented Manila’s cultural diversity and showed the city’s appreciation and support to different sectors and stakeholders in the city.
The parade featured colorful performances of students and vibrant floats representing the city's six districts, showcasing their culture and creativity.
The Manila Muslim community joined the parade, sending a motor float which showcased their culture and paid tribute to Rajah Sulayman, one of the city's notable leaders.
Representatives from the six districts also entertained the audience with street dance performances.
Groups from District 1 to District 6 performed the dances of the Lakbayaw Festival, Pista ng San Jose Patron ng Manggagawa, Eid’l Adha, Bulaklakan Festival, Bota Flores, and Buling-buling Festival, respectively.
Personnel from various government agencies joined the military parade bearing the theme “Saya ng Turismo ng Maynila.”
The Manila Police District (MPD), Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection - Manila Fire District (BFP-MFD), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology- Manila City Jail (BJMP-MCJ), Joint Task Force National Capital Region-Armed Forces of the Philippines (NCR-AFP) Contingent, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Manila Field Office (MFO), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also participated in the event.
Mayor Lacuna-Pangan expressed her gratitude to the public and private sectors who have contributed to the city’s growth and leadership.
“Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta, pagmamahal, at sa paglilingkod nang tapat. At higit sa lahat, pasasalamat sa bawat isang Manileño na kung hindi dahil sa inyo, lahat kamingg nandirito ay wala. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo hindi kikilalanin ang ating lungsod bilang kapitolyo ng ating bansa at sa buong mundo (Thank you very much for your support, love, and sincere service. Above all, our gratitude goes to every Manileño, because without you, all of us would not be here. If not for you, our city would not be recognized as the capital of our country and in the world),” she said.
As part of the celebration, the mayor, along with Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, led the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Rajah Sulayman in Malate, Manila.
Rajah Sulayman is remembered as the first hero of Manila who fought the Spanish forces during the colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century.