The 441st founding anniversary of Pampanga Day with a theme, “Abe-Abe Pagmasusyan, Panyulung ning Kapampangan” kicked-off with the gathering of various festival dances from various municipalities in one celebration of local history.
After the thanksgiving mass and flag raising ceremony led by Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda in front of the Provincial Capitol, a cultural dance presentation, dubbed as “Pamamupul” (Harvest) Festival was held. It was participated in by 13 municipalities of the province.
The governor said “Pamamupul” Festival is aimed at providing Kapampangans with the chance to see festival dances in one celebration as part of the overall celebration of the province’s founding anniversary.
Simultaneously, on the first day, a medical, surgical and dental mission was held at the Pampanga Provincial Jail benefitting some hundreds of inmates who have minor and major illnesses.
Then, it was followed by the “Pamipasinaya king Pamanyulat Kapampangan,” held at the Benigno S. Aquino Hall where the stakeholders launched a new manual for Kapampangan language.
In the evening of December 6, a cultural dance competition , lantern making contest and ceremonial lighting of the provincial Capitol were held.
On the second day (December 7) of the celebrations, the Livelihood Forum for OFW families and beneficiaries of Negosyo King Panyulung was held at the Amphitheatre of SM City Pampanga, simultaneous with the “Agro, Industrial, Trade, Food, Cultural, Arts and Crafts Fair” at the trade hall of SM City Pampanga.
At the same day, a Pre-Pageant of the 22 candidates vying for Mutya Ning Kapampangan 2012 took place at SM Clark.
On December 8, the provincial government sponsored an “Off Road Challenge” inside the Clark Freeport and at the same day, a symposium on Barangay Health Concerns was held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center (BZGCC), participated in by some 2,300 barangay health workers (BHWs).
The Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development (CHD III) turned-over on December 10 the newly constructed 102 bed two-storey hospital ward to the provincial government led by the Governor at Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Hospital.
Then, it was followed by the inauguration of the newly renovated Sports Center in Floridablanca, funded by the provincial government.
In the evening of December 10, the most awaited Mutya Ning Kapampangan Coronation Night was held at BZGCC.
On the last day (December 11), twelve successful Kapampangans who excelled in their fields of profession were given due recognition during the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (MOKA) night.
By Joel P. Mapiles
