BAGUIO CITY, Sept. 1 (PNA) — Baguio City celebrated its 105th Charter Day anniversary Monday with a theme, “Shared responsibilities, duties and resources for a vibrant Baguio”.
The Baguio Day program at the Baguio Convention Center started with the entry of colors by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) followed by the entry of city officials, national officials, dignitaries and guests.
The singing of the Lupang Hinirang was led by the PMA band.
Rev. Bishop Oscar Magallanes of the Good News Community Church gave the anniversary prayer.
The Baguio City Hall choir also sang the Baguio hymn.
The opening remarks and Baguio Day message by Baguio City mayor Mauricio Domogan focused on the achievements of the city’s citizens through the years beginning in the establishment of the rest and recreation city of the American officials in 1909.
The program was highlighted with the recognition and awarding of the four outstanding citizens of Baguio for the year 2014 — Fr. Jessie Hechanova, Gloria Leal, Rafael Valencia and Mario Victor Leonen.
The awarding of the Baguio City’s centenarians was led by councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda.
The guest of honor and speaker, House of Representative speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. begged off in the last minute and was represented by his nephew, Quezon City 6th District Representative Christopher Belmonte.
The closing remarks of Councilor and co-chairperson of Baguio Charter Day celebration Elmer Datuin focused on the dreams of Baguio City’s founders, then and now. (PNA)