Bago celebrates sustainable leaps on 57th charter anniversary

BACOLOD City – As it marks its 57th charter anniversary, Bago is celebrating sustainable leaps that the Bagonhons were able to realize as they continue to work together for a stronger and progressive city.

Themed “Bago@57: Celebrating Sustainable Leaps Toward Recovery and Progress,” the celebration officially opens today, February 14, during the Agro-Industrial Cultural Educational Trade Fair at the Bantayan Park.

Mayor Nicholas Yulo reaffirmed the importance of unity in the bid to move forward as a city from the many challenges, including those brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Yulo said the city was able to continue reaping success and dreaming even bigger for its people through one, upholding an excellent brand of leadership and sustaining a strong cooperation with the residents.

“The charter anniversary reminds us of our strength as a city, something worth celebrating,” the mayor added, as he urged every Bagonhon to be proud of their roots by taking part in the significant occasion.

Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres along with other officials will lead the ceremony to be followed by Diwata sang Bago Pageant Night at Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center (MYTMCCC) at 8 p.m.

Thirteen candidates are vying for the crown this year. They will be serenaded by Kapuso Heartthrob Derrick Monasterio.

On Wednesday, February 15, the city will host the whole-day Farmers and Fisherfolk Day at the Bantayan Park, DepEd Promenade 2023 dubbed “Harvest of Excellence” at MYTMCCC at 8 a.m., and Fantasia sang Bago 2023 also at MYTMCCC at 7 p.m.

The Employees Day Awarding and Recognition Ceremony will be held at MYTMCCC on February 16.

Other activities include Employees Day 2023 with Beks Battalion at MYTMCCC, Jazz Night 2023 at the Bantayan Park and Comedy Night with Beks Battalion also at the Bantayan Park on February 17; and RTNHS Day at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Sports Center, Gawad Bagonhon 2023 at MYTMCCC, and Best Product Search at Agro Barangay Booths on February 18.

A Party at the Park at the Bantayan Park will be held every 7 p.m. from February 14 to 18.

During the highlights on February 19, a thanksgiving mass will be held at the St. John the Baptist Parish Church in the morning to be followed by the 57th Charter Day Civic Military Parade at the city streets.

In the afternoon, Bagonhons and guests will witness the Babaylan Street Dance at the city streets, Babaylan Stage Competition, Sugilanon sang mga Barangay, Clean and Green Awarding, Agro Trade Fair Awarding and Best Product Search Awarding Ceremony all at MYTMCCC.

They will also be treated to a charter anniversary concert at the Sports Center at 9 p.m. featuring Ben&Ben and Chocolate Factory. The concert is free admission.

Various pre-event activities were already conducted in the city earlier this month including the Farmers Weekend Market at the Bantayan Park on February 4.

The local government also hosted a flag raising ceremony at MYTMCCC, Kurit Baylan Arts Festival and National Arts Month Opening Ceremony at the Bantayan Park on February 6; Responsible Pet Ownership Program at the Bantayan Park on February 8; Jobs Fair 2023 at MYTMCCC on February 9; Diwata sang Bago Pre-Pageant at MYTMCCC on February 10; Livelihood Skills Olympics at the TLDC Grounds and SK Cultural Show and Night at MYTMCCC on February 11; and Mayor Nikko Yulo MTB Challenge at the Sports Center, Livelihood Skills Olympics at the TLDC Grounds and Unity Zumba Party with Wowie De Guzman at the Bantayan Park on February 12.

Other pocket events include OFW Day at MYTMCCC on February 22, and Bazaar N D’ Park at the Bantayan Park from February 23 to 25.

This is the first time after two years that city will be holding a physical charter anniversary celebration due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.