City of San Fernando, PAMPANGA – Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda led the official opening of the week-long festivities in celebration of the 444th founding anniversary of the province at the Capitol Grounds in this city yesterday.
The celebration started early with a holy mass officiated by Archbishop Florentino Lavarias where Governor Pineda was joined by provincial government officials, employees, and local government officials.
Attendees then assembled for the flag raising ceremonies and civic military parade composed of men and women from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police.
The province’s 22 municipalities and cities also participated through a parade of floats and presentation of their respective festival dances; here the City of San Fernando bested the others followed by the runners-up, Mexico, Bacolor, Lubao, and Sta. Ana, respectively. The performance by indigenous folks from Porac were also cited and dubbed as Most Disciplined.
According to Governor Pineda, this year’s celebration focuses on the resiliency and solidarity of Kapampangans despite the various disasters and natural calamities that hit the province through the years.
“Celebrating the province’s 444th founding anniversary is no small feat. Our province is centuries old and has faced countless disasters yet we still stand here today stronger than ever as one of the country’s top 10 most progressive provinces,” Pineda proudly said.
Other activities slated for this year’s Pampanga Day celebration include inter-town Zumba competition, job fair, Mutya ning Kapampangan coronation night, and the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards night, among others.
