TO ENSURE the continuous preservation of the town’s heritage, outgoing San Simon town Vice Mayor Leonora Wong of this town is eyeing to institutionalize the celebration of several homegrown festivals through local legislation.

Wong, whose nine-year term as local chief executive will end on June 30, said celebrations of the San Simon Day and Pampanga Day, as well as the local observation of the Philippine Independence Day and Earth Day, among others, are important in educating Simonians, especially the youth, on the culture and heritage of their town and country.

Wong noted that when she assumed post in 2010, the local government started celebrating the said activities through executive orders as part of her administration’s goal to preserve the town’s culture.

“Now as vice mayor, I want to institutionalize all the good programs and the celebrations to ensure that the town will continue to recognize our founding day, and the many activities that celebrate our being Kapampangans and Filipinos even when a change in leadership happens,” the woman leader stressed.

Wong also noted the importance of continuously recognizing the roles of all sectors of society, including women, youth, elderly, teachers, farmers and fishermen through a municipal-wide celebration.

“For the past nine years, I try to empower all sectors of the society by celebrating a special day for them as a way of recognizing their efforts and contributions in the society and we are hopeful that it will be sustained in the coming years,” she said.

Wong also assured Simonians that she will continue to perform her advocacies to protect the town’s history through her leadership in the Sangguniang Bayan, and also hopefully, bring awards and recognitions to the legislative body.

Under Wong’s nine-year leadership, the local government bagged numerous recognitions including the hall of fame award as Most Outstanding LGU in the provincial and regional categories in the streamlining program in the issuance of mayor's permit; the coveted Seal of Good Local Governance; and the Purple Ribbon award, among others.

“I am hopeful that the Sangguniang Bayan, under my leadership as presiding officer, will be recognized as one of the best performing legislative bodies, as we are set to craft several breakthrough resolutions and ordinances,” she said.