Kaganapan 2020 celebrates San Fernando's heritage amid progress

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Nineteen years after it was converted into a component city, Fernandinos are now looking back at their roots through the Kaganapan 2020 celebration.

The month-long celebration, which kicked off Monday morning, January 27, will pay tribute to the local culture and heritage, which paved the way for a more developed and competitive city.

Kaganapan 2020 Executive Committee chairman Hermel Gulapa said that after almost two decades, Fernandinos have witnessed massive progress in the city through improved government programs and massive investments from the business sector.

"We saw several malls, hotels and condominiums rising, businesses opening and the local government serving Fernandinos and tourists alike through the years. This is brought by the concern and unity between the government and the private sector," he said.

But amid the continuing progress, Gulapa cited the City Government's high regard for its culture and heritage as evident in its programs and projects.

Mayor Edwin Santiago, for his part, said the local government puts value on the city's roots by ensuring that all its programs, as well as the business and investments it allows in the city remain anchored on its culture and heritage.

"We aim for progress and development but we do not let it take away our culture from us. Everything we do is for children and we wanted to make sure that amid all of these developments, they will remain conscious and have respect to our heritage," he said.

This year's celebration carries the theme "Fernandinong Abe-abe, Kabiayang Manawa at Matibe!"

Some of the events slated are Teachers' Heroism Day, Citywide Clean-up Day, launching of Disiplina Muna National Advocacy Campaign, Folk Dance Contest, LGBT Festival of Talents, Kasalang Bayan, Central Luzon Book Fair, Bloodletting project and Refill Revolution.