Friday, November 07, 2008 Pampanga gears for 347th 'Aldo Ning Kapampangan'
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- In a bid to enjoin all Kapampangans in celebrating the founding anniversary of the province, the Provincial Government here has come up with a multitude of programs and activities promoting social services to the people and the province's culture.
Information and Promotion chairman Jesusa Goseco said various stakeholders and agencies have teamed up to make the founding anniversary possible.
"The Aldo Ning Kapampangan (Kapampangan Day) is one of the priority agenda of the Provincial Government of Pampanga in which we try to promote the province's rich heritage and culture," Goseco said.
The Aldo Ning Kapampangan activities will start on December 2 with the theme "Musbung Ing Panyulung King Pamisanmetung."
This year's Aldo Ning Kapampangan Executive Committee is chaired by Architect Adriano Gulapa, past president of the United Architects of Pampanga, with co-chairman Renato "Abong Tayag Jr., incoming president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PamCham) as co-chairman.
"We invite fellow Kapampangans to join us in the activities and be one with the province as we take pride in Pampanga's history and tradition," Goseco added.
Events lined up for the celebration include photo exhibits, cultural shows for senior citizens, Ginang Day Care Worker beauty contest, teachers' day, and a Christmas concert for people with disabilities and story-telling activities.
Social service activities are also the main highlights of the event, which include medical missions to indigents, anti-rabies vaccination and immunization, job fairs, agro-industrial trade fairs, blood letting activities and barangay health workers recognition day.
There will also be a Tilapia-Grilling contest courtesy of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The entire celebration will culminate on December 11, the founding date of the province. Pampanga, which lies on the northern shore of Manila Bay, prides itself as being the first province to be organized by Spanish conquerors. The name "La Pampanga" was given by the Spaniards who found the early natives living near the riverbanks.
It also served as the capital of the archipelago for two years from 1762 to 1764 during the British invasion of Manila. The word "pangpang," from which the province's name originated, means riverbank.
Its creation in 1571 makes it the oldest among the seven provinces of Central Luzon. The Province of Pampanga enjoys the distinction of being known as the culinary heart of the Philippines. (IOF)
