April 5 a special non-working holiday in Pangasinan

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines  – Malacañang has declared April 5 as a special non-working holiday in this province as it celebrates its 431st founding anniversary dubbed as “Agew na Pangasinan.”

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Pangasinan be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” states Proclamation No. 103 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. in behalf of President Aquino.

This is the second year the province is celebrating Agew na Pangasinan since historians established April 5, 1580 as the founding day of the province.

Last year, Gov. Amado Espino Jr. signed Provincial Ordinance No. 143-2010 declaring April 5, 1580 the official founding day of Pangasinan.

The declaration was made after almost a year of work by the Research and Study Committee chaired by lawyer Gonzalo Duque.

Espino formed the committee, composed of historians, researchers, members of the academe and media, and representatives of different historical associations and government departments to establish the official founding day of Pangasinan.

With the declaration, the province celebrated its 430th founding anniversary last year.

This year’s Agew na Pangasinan 2011 celebration kicks off on April 4 with various activities like the “Parada na Dayew” featuring a float parade depicting significant historical events in the province, a commemorative program, inauguration of the ASNA Mini Park and unveiling of the ASNA Monument, the ASNA Awards and Grand Ball, blessing of the Pangasinan Training Center, unveiling of a photo exhibit featuring various heritage and tourism sites in the province, an oratorical contest for high school students, and the countdown to midnight and fireworks display.