Baguio senior citizens celebrate Fil-Am Friendship Day 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011

REMINICENT of yesteryears, a dedicated group of Senior Citizen-leaders from Baguio City celebrated last Monday, July 4, the Fil-Am Friendship Day at the city's historic Justice George Malcolm Square where the American pioneer's monument stands in splendor.

The brief yet meaningful commemorative rites was attended by City Administrator Carlos Canilao as the principal guest, BARF president-CEO Prof. Federico Balanag, who also heads the Baguio Elderly Assembly (BEA), PGREA key officials Supt. Jose Olarte and veteran Scouter Jaime Castro, US Retired Navyman Joseph Catacutan, former BSU President Lucio Victor and elderly ladies from the Pinsao Proper Senior Citizens Association and Marlyn Ngayodan from the VFP Regional Office.

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Highlights of the morning program was ushered in by a thanksgiving prayer led by Castro, brief inspirational messages from lawyer Canilao, Prof. Balanag, Superintendent Olarte and Catacutan, former president of the US Naval Fleet Reserve Associaiton, Baguio Chapter and floral offering.

Veteran BSP and BSA scouter Nars Padilla, in his Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America uniform, organized and coordinated the friendship day celebration. White doves symbolizing peace were also released toward the skies.

Padilla said, "July 4 which used to be the Philippine Independence Day like the United States of America is a reminder of the shared history, shared culture and tradition and the saga of harmonious and friendly relationship between the Filipinos and Americans who stood side by side for freedom and democracy in war and in peace."

"The special day," Padilla said is a significant occasion, which brings to the fore the leadership vision, wisdom and skills of Justice Malcolm, Archt. Daniel Burnham and Col. Lyman Kennon, three great American pioneers in the creation, development and growth of the City of Baguio as a modern day tourist destination center in the Asia-Pacific Region.

The Igorot dancers from the National Institute of Information Technology added flare and color to the celebration.

Padilla added, "The youth of today must learn and appreciate Fil-American history and relationship for better understanding and brotherhood toward prosperity."