Valencia City officials fete Kalayaan 2015

VALENCIA City– For the 117th Independence Day Celebration, the city government has celebrated freedom and patriotism with a twist. City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas together with the city officials, heads of Local and national agencies, city employees, non-government organizations, gathered at Plaza Rizal to commemorate this year’s celebration with the theme, “Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.”

The activity started with a motorcade from the city oval ground to Plaza Rizal where a special flagaising ceremony, 21-gun salute were made by members of the PNP followed by a wreath-laying rites by the heads of offices.

Mr. Abe P. Gillaco, acting city administrator acknowledged the employees participation as well as its guests and the people coming from different sectors.

The parade of of beauties for the city’s search for Best in Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog Costumes has enliven the celebration.  Top 5 females and top 5 males were selected for the Best in Filipiniana and Barong Costumes.

The best-dressed employees are: Ms. Maricel Te of City Legal Office, Ms. Jane Gonzaga of SP, Ms. Jessa Belle Luardo of CPDC, Ms. Zenith Estore of SP and Ms. Marie Queen Agonia of SP.

For best in Tagalog attire, the lucky winners are: Mr. Rembert Bautista of DILG, Mr. Kim Nuez of City Tourism Office, Mr. Bryan Romallosa of City Tourism, Mr. Gerald Roy Ortiz and Mr. Eduardo Pahilan of SP, respectively.

Another highlight of the Kalayaan 2015 celebration was the holding of an oratorical contest and the winners are: Ms. Rogelyn Villapa of SP who won the 1st Place, Ms. May Amor O. Villamor bagged the 2nd place while Mr. Josafat Caipang won the 3rd place.

City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas, in her speech said “Freedom starts within adding  that if one gave  freedom, one gets it, just like if one gave gratitude, one gets gratitude.’’

The program ended with community singing, releasing of doves and balloons as symbols of freedom.