'Kaganapan 2012' symbol of genuine unity

Monday, January 30, 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president Arnel Sicat said Monday that "Kaganapan 2012" or the City of San Fernando's 11th Cityhood Anniversary celebrations is a "symbol of genuine unity among barangays" here.

The ABC, composed of the city's 35 village chiefs, is taking charge of this year's month-long celebration themed "Pamibuklud ding Barangay, Kaganapan ning Siyudad."

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At the "Kaganapan 2012" press conference Monday at Heroes Hall, Sicat said all 35 barangays have committed themselves for a successful cityhood celebration, much that the ABC is leading the way for the first time in 11 years.

Sicat chairs this year's executive committee, with ABC officers and directors as members.

"In leading the Kaganapan 2012 celebrations, we are committed to its success. This is a sign of genuine unity among our barangay officials and the City Government. In fact, all the events are chaired by our barangay captains. The city-wide clean-up and urban greening day will actually be brought down to the barangays where they, together with the business sector and students, will participate in the environmental mission," Sicat said.

Mayor Oscar Rodriguez agreed with Sicat, and said in his Kaganapan 2012 statement: "As we work together to achieve our vision of becoming a habitat of human excellence by 2030, we want to propagate our good governance practices down to the barangay level which is considered as the smallest yet greatest political unit. It is in this spirit we have dubbed the celebration with the theme 'Pamibuklud ding barangay...' which is a reaffirmation of every community's role in contributing to our city's progress."

Sicat said activities for Kaganapan 2012 covers almost all sectors from health to environment and employment.

Highlights of the celebration include -- aside from the city-wide clean-up and urban greening day -- the multi-sectoral assembly, The Outstanding Fernandino Awards, historical challenge, job fair, night market and trade fair, the first Okazaki Cup karatedo championship, medical missions and the "kasalan king balen" or mass wedding on Valentine's Day.