Baybay City unveils "big heart"

BAYBAY CITY, Philippines — Officials here led by City Mayor Carmen L. Cari and her sons Rep. Jose Carlos Cari and Vice Mayor Michael Cari unveiled a giant red heart at the city plaza during their 11th charter day anniversary on Saturday, June 16.

Mayor Cari said the heart symbolizes Baybayanons.

"We have big heart for hospitality. We have big heart for giving assistance. And we have a big heart for love and peace," said the mayor.

The giant heart, which lights up at night, promises to be another iconic landmark in Baybay City which is continually developing it tourism program. To recall, the city also launched their now-famous "16,000 blossoms" at Lintaon Peak during their 10th charter day anniversary.

After the unveiling, a ceremonial turnover of the keys for the 12 newly-constructed barangay health centers was done. The twelve barangays are Balao, Bunga, Gubang, San Juan, Kabungaan, Sapa, Lintaon, Monteverde, Mahayahay, Maypatag, Pansagan, and Amguhan. The project, it was learned, was implemented under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program during the tenure of the Health secretaries Dr. Francisco T. Duque III, Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, and Dr. Janette P. Loreto-Garin.

Later that day at 6:30 p.m., the heart was lit up in a ceremony simultaneous with a fireworks display.

Other activities held in line with city's charter day celebration was a mass wedding on June 18, bloodletting on June 20, a medical mission on June 22, and jobs fair on June 28 and 29.