LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Aug. 18 (PNA) –- The 53rd Charter Day Celebration of Lucena City on August 20 kicked off Monday with an essay writing contest about the life and heroism of Apolinario Mabini as part of the city’s tribute to the country’s heroes.
The contest was participated in by students from grade schools to college from public and private schools.
It was followed by Lyre Band Competition participated in by students from 10 elementary schools, held at the open parking space of SM City-Lucena.
At 2 p.m., the exhibit on Apolinario Mabini’s heroism was opened at The Event Center of SM City-Lucena, attended by Frederick Mabini, the hero’s great grandson.
In his speech, Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala said Mabini’s vital contribution to the country’s attainment of freedom should never be forgotten, particularly by the present generation and generations to come.
He added that Mabini will be immortalized at the Heroes’ Lane at Pleasantville Subdivision in Barangay Ilayang Iyam where Andres Bonifacio’s life-size statue was put up last year.
Mabini will be the latest addition to the said lane (Hermana Fausta, the esteemed “Mother of Lucena City” was immortalized here last week), for the local residents to view and ultimately will be a tourist destination in the city.
The ribbon-cutting that signified the opening to the public of the photo exhibit showcasing Aploinario Mabini’s life and struggle for freedom was carried out by Mayor Alcala, Councilors Benito Brizuela, Sunshine Abcede, Boyet Alejandrino, Lucena Council for Culture and the Arts Chairperson Archie Ilagan, City Administrator Anacleto Alcala Jr., SM regional operations manager John Jason Terrenal and SM City–Lucena’s assistant mall manager Russel Alegre. (PNA)