Pagadian City (September 18, 2019) – The
festive celebration of the 67th Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur ended with
a bang. It was a week filled with fun and exciting activities prepared for
every Zambosurian under the new administration of Gov. Victor J. Yu.
In this year’s commemoration of the province’s
founding anniversary, a bundle of “firsts” was introduced by the provincial
government carrying the theme “Hawak Kamay Tungo sa Tagumpay: Angat ang Bawat
Zambosurian” – a perfect statement that embodies the unique and diverse culture
of tri-people – Moro, Subanen and local settlers.
Aside from the first-term administration of Gov. Yu,
here’s a list of “firsts” for this year’s 67th Araw ng Zamboanga del
Sur:
FIRST COLOR FUN RUN. It’s
the first time in many years that the provincial government organized a color
fun run activity that ushered in the anniversary celebration. It was participated
by more than 6,000 people from all towns who dared the 6-km, 4-km and 2-km run
from the city boulevard, capitol complex and Brgy. Dao.
FIRST BOODLE FIGHT ALONG THE ROAD.
Hundreds feasted on sumptuous boodle fight after the grand anniversary opening
at the Megayon hall. Local officials, employees, and people from all walks of
life savored the lunch treat together on the first day.
FIRST INTER-AGENCY SPORTSFEST. For the first time, the stamina and fitness of government
workers were tested as they engaged in sports activities during the anniversary
of the province. Four events namely basketball, volleyball, badminton and
tennis were competed by clustered national and provincial agencies. The inter-agency
sports activities happened the whole week at the Government Complex in Dao and
at the Provincial Covered Court.
FIRST EMPLOYEES NIGHT. The
provincial employees took a break from their monotonous tasks and unleashed their
“superhero” within as they battle in a dance extravaganza. Drawing a multitude
of cheerers from all offices and departments, the provincial workers were all ecstatic
for giving them the chance to express themselves through their talents.
FIRST VISUAL ARTS PAINTING COMPETITION. With its
aim to boost art tourism, the province held its first oil on canvass painting
competition where 24 visual artists showcase their skills in the “realism”
genre of painting. All the artworks were displayed at the Provincial Tourism Gallery.
FIRST MOTORCROSS COMPETITION WITH FREE ADMISSION. Motorcross
aficionados were thrilled to watch various tricks and exhibitions of motor riders
hailing from both local and neighboring provinces and it was FREE. The event
held at the Pagadian City Oval was teeming with people who really enjoyed the
treat of the provincial government in line with the 67th Araw ng
Zamboanga del Sur.
FIRST EVER TRIATHLON EVENT.
Hundreds of participants trooped to Pagadian City for the first ever triathlon
in the province on the 6th day. It was participated by local triathlon groups and
other participants from Cebu, Davao, Ozamiz, and Lanao del Norte. The event was
also graced by Cebuano celebrity triathlete Paul Jake Castillo.
FIRST SIMULTANEOUS TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY. Twenty-six
towns and one city planted together 50k seedlings of endemic trees as part of
the environmental advocacy of the Yu administration aimed at protecting the
watershed areas of the province. Police, military, the academe, government
agencies – all participated in the tree planting activity during the anniversary
day.
FIRST EVER FLOAT PARADE. Another
first in the province is the grand float parade which attracted a crowd of
spectators from all over the province. On the anniversary day, colorful and
creative floats were paraded along the main thoroughfares of Pagadian City.
Each structure is skillfully designed with indigenous materials that represent
the livelihood and culture of each municipality.
FIRST STREET DANCE COMPETITION DEPICTING THE
TRI-PEOPLE. For the first time, a street dance parade that truthfully
represents the tri-people was organized by the Provincial Tourism Office in
coordination with the National Center for Culture and the Arts. Participating
towns were divided into three groups namely Subanen, Moro and local settlers. Their
performances were based from the traditions that revolved around each tribe.
And for the first time, the Megayon Festival street dance was “non-religious”
in nature since all of the dances do not bear any religious image or figures.
It was also the first time the provincial government
awarded big, big prizes for the Street Dance Competition which is not just
cash-based but project-based for all winning contingents.
Aside from these, the celebration is also memorable for
the people of Zamboanga del Sur after they witness a star-studded lineup of guests
in the persons of Bb. Pilipinas International 2019 Bea Patricia Magtanong, Miss
Hispano-Americana 2019 Wynwyn Marquez, Enzo Pineda, Robin Padilla, Philip Salvador
and Erwin Tulfo plus a number of national dignitaries occupying the top government
posts who graced the occasion– Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Francis Tolentino, Sec. Ano
(DILG), Sec. Bautista (DSWD), and no less than the Presidential Spokesperson
Salvador Panelo.
It’s also fitting to acknowledge that a mobile
passport on wheels was initiated in the province in time for the Araw ng
Zamboanga del Sur, through the effort of Congw. Divina Grace Yu and the office
of the foreign affairs, to serve the people of Zamboanga del Sur in their
passporting needs.
And the list goes on…
This is just the beginning of a new era. A brand of
leadership patterned on the principles of good governance where true power
emanates from the people and its aspirations.
Quoting the very words of Gov. Victor Yu, the new administration
aims to deliver a genuine kind of service, like what they have promised to its
constituents, conscientiously establishing a form of governance that looks
after the welfare of every Zambosurian.
“This is the main purpose of this new government:
Gusto namo nga malipayon ang mga katawhan sa Zamboanga del Sur,” the father of the
province said.
