Pangasinan Day activities bared

LINGAYEN -- The activities lined-up for Agew na Pangasinan (Pangasinan Day) celebration has been announced to the public by Pangasinan Day Executive Committee Chairman Gonzalo Duque.

At the recent Talakayan sa Kapitolyo, Duque said the celebration will be very special for the Pangasinenses in general because of the establishment of the province's birthday as researched by the committee headed by Duque himself.

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Provincial employees will receive an anniversary bonus (as mandated by law) for the first time, a privilege they were deprived in the past.

Duque said the Provincial Board gave Governor Amado Espino Jr. the authority to appropriate the P3-million budget for the 430th Pangasinan Foundation Anniversary on April 5.

The new provincial seal and historical marker bearing the year 15809 marking of the foundation will be unveiled.

Duque said the celebration will start at 6:30 a.m. with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Capitol Plaza, to be followed by the commemorative program and unveiling of historical marker and provincial seat at the same venue.

At 9 a.m., the rehabilitated Sison Auditorium (Cultural Center of Pangasinan) will be inaugurated and blessed.

The Sison Auditorium was built in 1926 to 1927 during the incumbency of then Governor Tiofilo Sison, the eight governor of Pangasinan.

Sison was also the first Pangasinense to occupy a Cabinet position.

The Parada na Dayew Me, a float and civic parade showcasing the timelines of Pangasinan will start at 9:30 a.m.

Event Chairman Dea Que-Hoffman said there will be 13 floats depicting the historical eras of Pangasinan, namely: pre-Spanish period; 1572; 1574; 1580; Revolt against the Spaniards; Casa Real establishment; revolt of the Pangasinan Katipuneros led by Don Daniel Maramba; 1899 (Phil-American war); 1901 (Taft Commission); 1919 (Inauguration of Capitol building); 1941 (Japanese invasion); 1945 (Landing of Gen. Mc Arthur); and Golden Era (starting year 2007 when Espino's administration assumed.

At 10 a.m., there will be the groundbreaking and inauguration of the Eco-Tourism Zone in Barangay Estanza, Lingayen.

Starting 7 p.m., bands of national caliber like Rivermaya and Penpen will lead the Lingayen Beach Concert.

The Asna Awards Night and Ball will simultaneously be held.

Asna Awards is a grand ball and awards night for outstanding Pangasinenses. It will be held at Sison Auditorium.

At 11 p.m., there will be a grand fireworks display at the Lingayen beach front.