Laoag City turns 49

LC @ 49. Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas leads the official of the city is celebrating the city’s 49^th Charter Day on June 19, 2014. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Laoag City—With Laoag City celebrating its 49^th Charter Day on June 19, Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas turned to the people for gratitude as they are the driving force that has made city one of the most progressive and popular city not only nationally but also internationally.

Ms. Fariñas though reserved her biggest thanks to the “Almighty, for without Him, Laoag City would not have been this progressive.”

The event was marked by a simple ceremony highlighted by the release of white balloons by Laoag’s councilors, department heads and city government employees led by Ms. Fariñas, as well as barangay and national agencies’ officials.

The release of white balloons, Ms. Fariñas explained, is a “sign of freedom”.

Laoag City police officer-in-charge P/Supt. Jeffrey Gorospe and the world famous Samiweng Singers also took part in the event.

In her speech, Ms. Fariñas noted that the city’s Charter Day coincides with the birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal—Philippines’ national hero. In view of this, she urged all Laoag City government employees to fulfill their own responsibilities for a better Laoag.

Meanwhile, city government administrator Hilarion Cipriano “Perry” Martinez III said he thought the mayor was “a little bit emotional” right after her speech. He added that this is because of her love for Vice Mayor Michael V. Fariñas, a former three-term Laoag mayor who was born when Laoag was converted into a city.

Malacañang declared June 19 as a special non-working holiday for Laoag to give its residents the chance to celebrate and participate in the celebrations.