Written by Mr. Ramon B. Formantes
The City Government of Laoag celebrated it's 46th Charter Day yesterday, June 21, 2011 with a lot of fun fare and gift giving.
Government officials led by Mayor Michael V. Fariñas and Governor Imee R. Marcos, together with City Department Heads and employees, DepEd officials and select students, the PNP, Barangay officials and Kagawads, the Media, and other invited NGOs, braved the light drizzle and hot, humid air to participate in the 8AM flag-raising ceremonies.
Mayor Fariñas described Laoag City as vibrant, beaming with confidence, its phenomenal transition from a sleepy municipality to a progressive city, a model of peace and development worth emulating. He emphasized his great respect for heritage for which he promised to keep the torch passed on to him, burning.
Governor Marcos congratulated all Laoagueños, saying that Laoag City is the heart and soul of the Province, a role model for all of Ilocos Norte to follow.
The Ilocos Norte National High School Choir led in the singing of the Lupang Hinirang and Prayer of the City, while the Regional Arts Festival Champions Gabu Elementary School Pupils performed the Dance of peace, the familiar Kalapati folk dance of the Ilocanos depicting the value of peace. The multi-awarded Aliwan drummers, the rising Holy Spirit Academy Drum and Lyre Corps, and the Cuerdas Rondallia Group provided hype and excitement with their background music.
One of the highlights of the affair was the releasing of white balloons by all the City Officials, and the Governor, plus 800 more representing the 80 barangays of the city. For a significant while, the sky was adorned with white balloons symbolizing purity and unity for all Laoagueños.
The traditional singing of the "Padapadacam" and the Birthday song was an emotional finale to an erstwhile birthday celebration, the 46th Charter Day of Laoag City.
At the City Multi-Purpose Center, various stakeholders of the city received their Day Care Kits, Nego Karts, Non-Infra materials, PhilHealth Cards, Farm Implements, tee shirts and Pantawid Pasada Checks, part of the gift giving the Mayor has promised.
Job seekers had their whole day scouting for opportunities as different employers joined the Charter Day Job Fair. At the same time City Health Workers were busy attending to the sick who sought consultation during the whole day Medical Mission.
It was a very busy but festive day for everyone who celebrated Laoag's 46th Charter Day.
