As the province commemorates the 20th anniversary of Mt. Pinatubo eruption, Governor Lilia G. Pineda underscored the various economic gains and infrastructure developments in Pampanga even as she enjoined her Cabalens to continuously work for its betterment.
Addressing the provincial capitol employees during Monday’s flag raising ceremony, Pineda said that Pampanga was able to rise triumphantly from the ashes of the catastrophic Mt.Pinatubo eruption 20 years ago.
The billions of cubic meters of ash spewed out by the volcano eventually turned into income and blessings for us Capampangans, the governor said as she disclosed that the provincial government’s quarry collections reached a record high of P225 million since she assumed office almost a year ago.
More so, palay yield in the province registered a total of one million cavans while more than 20,000 Capampangan workers are presently employed in various companies housed at the Clark Freeport.
These economic gains plus the major infrastructure developments such as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) are testimonies to the triumphant rise of the province from despair and grief 20 years ago, Pineda stressed.
She said that the quarry income will be put to good use for the benefit of her constituents, especially the indigenous peoples of the province who were the first victims of the volcanic eruption.
The governor committed that the provincial government will ensure that the basic needs of the indigenous peoples for potable source of water, decent housing, health and medical services will be properly addressed.
After the flag raising event, the governor assisted by City of San Fernando Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez led the inauguration ceremonies of the newly-renovated Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Hall and the unveiling of Pinatubo timeline with the provincial board members and municipal mayors in attendance.
Pineda said that activities lined up for the week-long celebration include the commemorative walk from the provincial capitol to San Guillermo church in Bacolor; simultaneous thanksgiving mass in the 22 town parishes; Eucharistic celebration and Serenata in San Guillermo church; opening of trade and food fair, furniture, photo and painting exhibits and the ceremonial lighting of giant lantern and fireworks display at the Mega Dike; all on June 15, the day Mt. Pinatubo erupted.
Other highlights of the 20th Mt. Pinatubo commemoration are the launching of the Nabuclod project, KulArt exhibit, cultural street dance, educational assistance and Kabyayan program, blessing of the view deck and model village in the area and distribution of goods and food items to Aetas on June 16.
On June 17, a wetland cruise from Lubao to Sasmuan will be held while on June 18, a Pampanga Vintage Car show and Off Road Challenge will be conducted at SM Clark and Minalin town respectively. (Pampanga PIO)
