BACOLOD CITY – Bago City in Negros Occidental is celebrating its 58th charter anniversary this month.
MAYOR Nicholas Yulo (right) and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres (second from right), with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson (second from left) and fourth district board member Andrew Martin Torres, lead the Agro-Industrial Cultural Educational Trade Fair opening ceremony at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center in Bago City, Negros Occidental on Monday, February 12, which kicked off the city’s 58th charter anniversary. (Glazyl Masculino)
The event kicked off with the Agro-Industrial Cultural Educational Trade Fair opened by Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres, along with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and fourth district board member Andrew Martin Torres, at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center (MYTMCCC) on Monday, February 12.
In a media interview after the opening ceremony, Yulo said that this year’s celebration is a reflection of the humble beginnings of the city. “At least once a year, we were able to pause in reflecting the gains that our people and the city have done through the years,” he said.
Yulo said that through this celebration, they are reminded of the struggles of their fore parents in the past 58 years. He stressed that the city would not be as progressive as it is today without the gains of the past administrations.
“We have to celebrate whatever gains we had through the years,” he said, adding that the people of Bago deserve to enjoy the festivity as they have been the partner of the city government in development.
He also said the event is the city government’s tribute to the people for helping Bago expand and develop as a progressive city.
“Our development should be inclusive and sustainable. We owe it to our people to constantly give them excellent public service,” the mayor said.
Lacson, in his message, said that Bago City is not just celebrating its 58th year of cityhood, but also many years that paved the way for the rich history of the city and resilience of its people.
He said the acknowledgment of historical days stand as one of solemn obligations to the city’s ancestors and its people. “It allows us to reflect on their invaluable contributions and sacrifices while preserving our society’s history for the benefit of the future generations,” he added.
Lacson said that in this process, they can draw insights from the narratives and experiences of their predecessors guiding the province, city, and the people towards greater stability and progress.
The celebration symbolizes Bago’s hope and journey toward development and progress, Lacson said. “Let this be a reminder to continuously conserve heritage and historical landmarks. Let us express deepest appreciation to the past and present leaders who have guided the city with wisdom and dedication,” he added.
The governor said the city’s vision in governance made a pivotal road not just in the city, but also the province’s destiny.
He thanked the hard-working people of Bago whose determination have moved the city to greater heights. “Let us continue to build a city that provides a high quality of life for all its people. A city that embraces progress while safeguarding its natural habitat and cultural heritage,” he said.
With the theme “58 Years of Cityhood: Greener Horizons, Empowered Communities and Service Excellence,” this year’s celebration will run until February 29, including pre- and post-charter activities.
Yulo said this year’s theme is centered on the message that we cannot proceed to progress without the citizenry who are empowered and aware and contributing to development.
Among the activities are Diwata sang Bago 2024: The Festival Queen grand pageant night at MYTMCCC on February 16 and the highlight of the celebration on February 19, the annual flag-raising in front of the Gen. Juan Araneta Monument at 7:30 a.m. led by Yulo and Torres.
It will be followed by the civic-military parade on major city streets.
In the afternoon, six groups composed of four barangays each will compete in the Babaylan Festival Street Dance and Stage Competition at MYTMCC.
In the evening, a grand anniversary free concert featuring pop star Sarah Geronimo and singer Bamboo Mañalac will be held at Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Sports Center followed by a grand fireworks display.
There are live band performances at the Bantayan Park through the “Party at the Park” from 7 p.m. onwards from February 12 to 18.