IT WAS on May 8, 2018 that Resolution No. 18-124 was approved by Mayor Mark Andrew Arthur Golez. The resolution authorizes Mayor Golez to enter into an agreement for the establishment of a sisterhood relationship with the Municipality of Pagsanjan, Province of Laguna.
The said resolution was moved by Councilor Neil Solomon Locsin and was duly seconded by the following councilors: Honorable Demetria Aplaon, Honorable Aileen Javier, and Honorable Rosalinda Caja. The acting presiding officer was Councilor Thomas Maynard Ledesma. The copy of the said resolution was furnished to Mayor Girlie “Maita” Javier Ejercito of the Municipality of Pagsanjan, Laguna.
The Sisterhood Signing Ceremony happened on June 10 at Senator Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center as one of the highlights of the 61st Charter Anniversary of Silay. I was assigned by the program committee to be the coordinator for Pagsanjan officials starting at their arrival at the airport in Silay until they departed. The group was headed by Mayor Girlie Javier Ejercito (a native of Silay, an alumna of Silay Institute) and former governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito of the Province of Laguna.
Every official who was there that evening was in his (her) glittering Filipiniana attire. The invocation and the playing of the Philippine National Anthem were rendered by the world-renowned Kabataang Silay Rondalla under the baton of Maestro Jigger Anjao.
Vice Mayor Joedith Gallego welcomed the Pagsanjan officials and his fellow Silaynons who were there. The sisterhood rationale was given by Councilor Mildred Garay, former Department of Education regional director, and our official march “Martsa sang Silaynon” was properly introduced (lyrics by Severino Pacete, music by Cecilia Barbasa, and arranged by Ma. Ricel Barbasa).
Mayor Golez delivered his remarks by way of informing the audience on the present state of Silay under his administration anchored on “Asenso sang Silay, Asenso sang Panimalay.”
This was followed by the singing of “Pagsanjan March” with Kabataang Silay Rondalla (lyrics by Dr. Zosimo Fernandez, music by Rogelio Taino). Mayor Girlie Ejercito delivered her remarks touching on her childhood, early education, adventure in the movie world, her romance with actor ER Ejercito, and her dynamic performance in Pagsanjan.
This was followed by the reading of the Sisterhood Agreement and the official signing by the two local chief executives, Mayor Golez and Mayor Ejercito. The “mark” of friendship ended with an exchange of gifts between the officials of Silay and Pagsanjan. The best delicacies of Silay and the best gustatory delights of Pagsanjan took center stage.
The City of Silay and the Municipality of Pagsanjan aspire to strengthen ties of friendship, mutual understanding through exchanges in science and technology, culture and arts, tourism, planning and urban development, commerce or trade and industry, education and sports development, environmental protection, public health and social services, among others of common concern.
Pagsanjan officials had dinner at Balay Negrense ground, the venue of “Kaon Ta! Street Food Festival”. Mayor Maita and Gov E.R. joined Mayor Mark in the coronation of Lin-ay sang Silay 2018 at Natalio G. Velez Sports and Cultural Center. They had fine time (for two days) having lunch at “Edge Water” and “Milkens Restaurant” in Balaring - sinigang lison, buttered shrimp, tangigue kinilaw, sizzling squid, grilled liempo, sizzling manumbok, sizzling bangus, squid rings, and more.
Ecotourism trip brought them to the environment loop of Patag and Lantawan for the fascinating view of the rainforest passing “Duyan,” “Lantawan View,” “The Cock Farm” and a stretch of the reforested area covered with fog. Mayor Mark toured the Ejercito couple around the plaza to witness the Lakan sang Silay” and “Kansilay Street Dance.”
The Pagsanjan officials got their best time tasting “chicken inasal” of different flavors. Their “pasalubong” shopping at “Kaon Ta” and El Ideal Bakery would surely allow them to bring many pieces of Silay.
Mayor Maita had wonderful time meeting and giving gifts to her relatives and friends from Sitio Dacutan, Barangay Mambulac. In return, she was offered “ginamos,” the number one product of her purok. “With this sisterhood tie, Silay will always be a part of me. Mayor Mark and I will always strive for the realization of our dream.”
Mabuhay Silay! Mabuhay Pagsanjan!