LAST Wednesday, in my little war room, I was going through records of programs and special events where I was deeply involved through the years as a concerned citizen. My challenging task and responsibility as chairman of the 83rd Baguio Charter Day anniversary celebration stood out, especially so, that in barely two weeks from today our mountain resort city will celebrate its 113th birthday.
My appointment to the position was then courtesy of Mayor Mauricio Domogan. I recall vividly that I was just serving my first year as an elected councilor for the term 1992-1995. In my batch were councilor Virgilio Bautista, Edilberto Claravall, Betty Lourdes Tabanda, Eduardo Aguilar, Nap Ponce, Nic Palaganas, Lilia Yaranon, Galo Weygan, Jaime Quitania, Ed Bilog and Ric Panlilio, who represented the Association of Barangay Councils. The vice mayor then was Danny Fariñas.
With hardworking members of the committee culled from the city government and private organizations’ rank and file, we were able to implement with interest and vigor our respective program assignments to a very successful culmination.
The theme of the celebration was short, simple and telling. "Be counted, get involved!" This was prominently projected in the winning log design for the celebration. To cut a long story short, there at least four major phases of programs carefully designed for the benefit of the city’s residents. In the centerfold were a bonanza of activities in tourism, education and culture, sports and barangay outreach and medical missions.
The activities started on August 1 with good turn cleanup activities by Boy and Girl Scouts; cleanliness and beautification activities in barangays, schools, parks, public market and business establishment. Tourism seminars for taxi and jeepney drivers, itinerant photographers, night club hostesses and bartenders, newspaper boys and shoeshine boys were also held.
PIA, NCCB, BCBC, ASIAGO and Tahong Bundok held an art and photo exhibit in the City Hall lobby. BAHAI and NCCB hosted a program for the winner of the Charter Day quest for the lucky foreign visitor.
Education and cultural activities highlighted with pre-school on the spot drawing contest. Collegiate extemporaneous speaking contest was held at the BCU auditorium; Filipino essay writing contest for high school was staged at the SLU gym; high school oratorical contest was held at the BCF gym while the elementary schools quiz bee at the DEC’s social Hall.
The climax was the two hour cultural presentation dubbed, "Kafagway noon, Baguio ngayon," showcasing the city’s history, growth, disastrous moments and development through dance and music by select students from the various schools in the city.
Veteran PE mentors Maurico Bajada of UB and Bing Bangaoet of SLU patiently and skillfully choreographed the presentation. Before the jampacked UB gym the city’s four most outstanding college students and their nine counterpart high school students were present and given awards for their feat. The awards ceremonies ended the afternoon’s big show.
Sports was an important facet of the celebration. At least 26 events were staged – badminton, basketball, golf, bowling, lawn tennis, shooting, darts, judo, table tennis, athletics, cycling, pro-boxing, football, volleyball, chess, karate, skateboard, motocross BMX, bodybuilding and dama.
A special gaysports competition in boating, bowling, darts and chess took place. Of course, a palaro for persons with disabilities while a radio car race and a gymkhana were also on focus. Handsome trophies were given to the winners in each event. Coordinators for the undertaking were volunteers from either the schools or from the Baguio Athletic Commission.
At least, barangay medical-dental missions were on the spotlight. The CRSAFP 1, CAR and NAPOLCOM rendered free medical harelip and goiter operations. At Pinsao Proper Elementary School, free medical and dental consultation services were offered. This was also conducted for residents of Loakan Barangay. The medical-dental missions were jointly sponsored by the Baguio Health Department, PMA, SLU, DSWD, Rotary Clubs of Baguio, Lions Clubs of Baguio, Baguio-Benguet Medical Society, UB, CARE, PNP-CAR and several communications groups – REACT, SPECTRUM and BB-PICAG.
Baguio Day rites on Sept. 1 started with the ringing of church bells and siren from the City Hall. Church services were also held in various religious places of worship. At 830AM, the program was held at the Baguio Convention Center with Maj. Gen. Romeo R. Zulueta, commander VIZCOM, AFP as guest of honor and speaker.
The awarding of the 10 most outstanding citizens in human service, health care, education, ecology, transportation, business, sports and BCPO highlighted the program. The day’s celebration also welcomed the winner of the lucky Baguio Charter Day baby and family search, tree planting by the Inglesia ni Cristo and the NCCB launching of Project Green is Life participated in by PWDs. A senior citizens forum held at the BCC and the Baguio Sister Cities fellowship held at Venus Parkview Hotel ended the day’s celebrations.
It is inspiring to note that Bombo Radyo conducted an info-quiz on the air. Computer programming contest for high school and college students were sponsored by SLU Philippine Computer Society-BB Chapter while the “Popquiz” regional finals was POPCOM-CAR’s baby.
The Arts Foundation of the Cordilleras presented a ballet show at the SLU Burgos gym. A citywide free raffle draw with handsome prize items added joy to the occasion.
Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the Charter Day grand parade and the PMA Cadets parade in review at Burnham Park were canceled.
We hope this year’s Charter Day celebration will be more successful.