CEBU, PHILIPPINES — The Cebu Provincial Government officially launched on Monday, August 3, the month-long celebration of Cebu’s 457th Founding Anniversary with an opening salvo and the inauguration of this year’s expanded “Tabo sa Kapitolyo: Agri-Fisheries Trade Fair” at the Capitol grounds.
Held under bright morning skies, the opening ceremony gathered provincial officials, local chief executives, representatives of national government agencies and other guests from across Cebu in what Governor Pamela Baricuatro described as a display of unity as the Province begins its anniversary celebration.
The observance is held pursuant to Republic Act No. 7698, as amended, which declares August 6 of every year a special non-working holiday throughout the Province of Cebu, including its highly urbanized and component cities.
Cebu traces its founding to August 6, 1569, when King Philip II of Spain appointed Miguel López de Legazpi as the province’s first governor, making Cebu the country’s oldest provincial government.
Baricuatro led the opening rites during the Capitol’s regular flag-raising ceremony.
Joining her were Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, members of the Provincial Board, district representatives, mayors, vice mayors, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano, Capitol department heads, regional directors of national government agencies and other invited guests.
Greeting Cebuanos on the historic occasion, Baricuatro expressed optimism for the province’s future.
“Happy Anniversary. Imagine, 457th founding anniversary and that’s something. Padayon lang ta and the best is yet to come,” the governor said.
She also welcomed the strong turnout of government officials during the ceremony, saying it reflected cooperation among local leaders.
“Daghan kaayog nangapil sa atong flag ceremony ganiha. I’m very happy nga they’re showing support sa Province. It’s a show of unity ug nagkahiusa gyud ta. This is a very good message to the people that we are here to work and serve you,” she added.
However, Pinamungajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro and Barili Mayor Pablo John Garcia IV were among the local chief executives absent during Monday’s opening program.
Asked whether Capitol employees would receive an anniversary bonus, Baricuatro declined to provide details.
“Wait lang ta ig August 6,” she said.
Governor hints at SOPA ‘Pasabog’
Beyond the anniversary festivities, Baricuatro said she is looking forward to delivering her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on August 31, hinting at a major announcement.
“Unya naa tay pasabog, watch out mo diha kanang mga badlongon diha,” Baricuatro told reporters.
She said the address will highlight the accomplishments of her administration, particularly in healthcare, while unveiling additional initiatives.
The governor described the annual SOPA as the highlight of the province’s anniversary celebration.
“Personally it’s my SOPA because that will be the time that I will be able to tell the people of the Province the accomplishments that we have done in the past years,” Baricuatro said.
“Ang akong challenge karon kay ingon sila dapat one hour ra kono, pero if you really have to go through one by one, ambot basin mosobra mi aning one hour, so watch out,” Baricuatro added.
She also announced that the “Pasidungog sa Pagtuo ug Pasundayag” will be held on August 29 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Bigger venue for Tabo sa Kapitolyo
One of the first major activities of the anniversary celebration was the opening of this year’s “Tabo sa Kapitolyo: Agri-Fisheries Trade Fair,” which brings together agricultural producers, fisherfolk and local entrepreneurs from across Cebu.
Now being held at Parking Lot 1 beside the Heritage Park inside the Capitol compound, the trade fair occupies a larger venue than in previous years, when it was staged behind the Executive Building.
The fair showcases fresh agricultural produce, seafood, processed food, delicacies and locally made products from different cities and municipalities, providing consumers direct access to Cebu-made goods while giving local producers a wider market.
Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Roldan Saragena said 68 exhibitors are participating in this year’s trade fair. Of the total, 52 are local government units while 16 are private exhibitors.
“A total of 52 ka mga LGUs ang naa plus 16 ka private exhibitors ang niapil, so a total of 68 ang nitambong sa Agri-Fish Fair Trade,” Saragena said.
He said preparations for the event were completed in about two weeks through close coordination with city and municipal agriculturists and local chief executives.
According to Saragena, each participating locality is showcasing products that best represent its agriculture, fisheries and food industries.
“Ang gipangbaligya diri kay mga local products, unsay mga delicacies nila ug unsay mga produkto nga agri-fishery nga nailhan ang ilang lungsod, mao na ang naa karon dinhi,” he said.
Saragena encouraged the public to support the exhibitors by purchasing directly from farmers and fisherfolk.
He said proceeds from the trade fair will enable producers to purchase seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs for the next cropping season while helping support their families.
“They’re here para ang ilang mahalin, ipalit og binhi, abono para sa sunod nga cropping season. Ang halin para pud sa ilang pamilya ug aron makapadayon sila sa pagpanguma,” he said.
The trade fair is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Saturday.
Saragena added that participating local government units were exempted from paying booth fees, while private exhibitors were charged only a minimal participation fee.
Written by Jonnavie Villa/FPL
