Mandaluyong Liberation Day festivities on today

Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr. will lead guests, officials and residents in grand activities to be held today at the Liwasang Katubusan in Kalentong street to highlight its 56th Liberation Day and 7th Cityhood Anniversary.

This year’s theme "Mandaluyong, May Paninindigan — Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas" will feature different events underlining the transformation of the once sleepy municipality into a burgeoning district in the metropolis.

"It has been a tradition in Mandaluyong to commemorate our liberation day and cityhood foundation with meaningful festivities. We as people are very proud to look back at the historic Feb. 9, 1945, when our forebears were liberated from Japanese occupation," said Abalos.

It was in Feb. 9, 1994 when then President Fidel Ramos signed into law Republic Act 7679 converting Mandaluyong into a city, the first in Metro Manila to attain cityhood in 20 years.

"In the present context, we look at Nueve de Febrero as a time to renew our fervent hope and commitment to totally liberate our constituents from the bondage of poverty," said Abalos.

To highlight the festivities, a civic parade to be participated in by city officials, employees, students, business leaders and representatives of different organizations will be held in the afternoon starting at 2 p.m.

The event will be capped by a Liberation Day concert at the city hall ground featuring known showbiz personalities including Gladys and The Boxers.

In line with the two-week long celebrations which kicked-off last Jan. 29, the city already held the "Matira Mahusay’ quiz bee for students, "Search for Kolor Masters (Hair Color Festival)" sponsored by beauty expert Ricky Reyes, "Handog Pasasalamat sa Bantay Bayan," and the family day for teachers, senior citizens and the DSWD local unit.

Mayor Abalos led the awarding of certificates to poor families who were among the housing project beneficiaries in Kayumanggi-Busilak-Ginhawa, inaugural blessing of Isla de Cocomo and Castañeda street, inauguration of multi-purpose and health center in Block 37, Barangay Addition Hills and Old Zaniga Health Center.

Special events also included "Celebration III — A Musical Revue" to be performed by the Repertory Philippines at the William J. Shaw Theater in Shangri-La mall Mandaluyong, Bikathon, Pakarera ng Tiburin, ‘Search for Ms. Mandaluyong and Mrs. Mandaluyong" and the annual ‘Pabonggahan’ for city employees.

Thousands of jobseekers were also interviewed for prospective employment opportunities through the city’s Public Employment Office conducts the ‘Job Fair.’ A ‘Liberation Ball’ hosted by the Cultural Affairs and Tourism will follow at 7 p.m.

Mandaluyong’s Traffic Administration Unit also announced traffic rerouting along Kalentong street, Boni Avenue and Maysilo Circle in the this afternoon in line with the scheduled civic parade.