Simple celebration for Cebu’s 444th anniversary

CEBU, Philippines - The upcoming 444th founding anniversary of the Province of Cebu in August is expected to be less grandiose as compared to the past years during the time of former governor  Gwendolyn  Garcia.

Gov. Hilario Davide III yesterday said that they still have to finalize the month-long  activities although he was already briefed by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who has been part of the preparation in the past years.

“We still have to finalize the activities as there are some that I find very expensive,” Davide said.

He cited the Governor’s Ball, which he finds to be a very expensive activity.

“Our objective here is how we can save and do away with unnecessary expenses,” he said.

Under the current budget of the Province, P3 million was appropriated for this year’s founding anniversary.

Davide said they also discussed  the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals which has an appropriations of P5 million.

He said they are still studying whether to hold it or not as heard positive feedbacks that the activity is good for tourism but he is also concern of the expenses.

  “All of these will have to be weighed,” Davide said.

The month-long activities usually start on the first working day of August with a raising of flags of different component cities and municipalities at the Capitol ground followed by the opening of an agri-fair.

August 6, which is the founding day, is a special non-working holiday in the entire province including highly urbanized cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu.

A mass will be held in the morning at the Capitol Social Hall to be attended by provincial officials and employees.

A program follows in the afternoon where the Governor is expected to deliver his anniversary message and announce the employees’ anniversary bonus.

 Republic Act 8952 provides that the holiday for private and public offices is to be enjoyed all over Cebu, including Cebu City and other component cities.

In 1993, a resolution was approved by the Provincial Board stating that Spain’s King Philip II, in a royal cedula, appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as Governor of Cebu on August 6, 1569.  (FREEMAN)