LANAO del Norte’s grand 50th founding anniversary celebration ended Saturday with a bang.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. attended the culmination parade at the world-class Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod town Saturday morning.

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Teodoro witnessed the formal turnover of 120 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels who returned to the folds of the law.

The rebel returnees were given cash incentives and livelihood assistance courtesy of the national and local governments.

On Friday evening, the locals were treated to a concert by Manila-based singer Bamboo. A 15-minute musical pyrotechnic show followed the show.

Visitors from outside Lanao del Norte, especially those from Davao City, could only sigh in envy as the province's night sky was lit up with colored lights.

The one-week celebration was full of activities from agricultural shows, beauty pageants, carnivals, dance and music competitions, motocross, tennis competitions, practical shooting and concerts, to name a few.

Other showbiz personalities who performed in Lanao del Norte were actors Cesar Montano, John Avila, Sunshine Cruz and Geneva Cruz.

Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo said the grand celebration would have not been possible were it not for the support of all the provincial and municipal officials.

He said the celebration is but fitting, especially so that the province is celebrating its golden anniversary and that it’s high time for the entire country and the world to know that Lanao del Norte is back on its feet after the August 2008 attack by Moro rebels in several civilian communities.

Dimaporo said he hopes the actors and actresses they have invited would spread the word that Lanao del Norte is as peaceful as any other places in the country.

Cesar Montano echoed the same sentiment when he told the crowd that Lanao del Norte is one of the most peaceful places on earth.

"Dahil dito sa Lanao, ang aming mga building dito ay di pinapabagsak ng eroplano. We bring peace right here, right now in Lanao del Norte," Montano said. (BOT)