51st Aklan foundation kicks off today
Marquez
KALIBO, Aklan -- Major events of the 51st Aklan Anniversary Foundation weeklong celebration kicks off today.
Gov. Carlito S. Marquez described it as a colorful celebration this year. Hundreds of Aklanons and foreign guests join the celebration every year, he observed. This year, the governor hopes, won’t be any different.
Aklanons will mark the 51st Aklan Day on April 25 when exactly 51 years ago, Pres. Ramon Magsaysay signed into law RA 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz.
The Executive Committee is headed by Engr. Roger Esto, former Libacao mayor now Provincial Planning and Development Office chief, as chairman and Atty. Diego M. Luces, former Kalibo mayor now Provincial Administrator, as vice chairman.
The weeklong celebration will officially start today with a Grand motorcade at about 2:00 p.m. in major streets here. After the parade, the Opening Program for two major events will simultaneously held at the ABL Sports Complex.
The first event is the Grand Opening and Blessing of the 8th Aklan Pina & Fiber Festival, Garden & Agro-Industrial Trade Fair. DTI Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes said that the Guest of Honor is Elizabeth Zobel. Co-founder and vice president/treasurer f Sa Aklat Ka Sisikat Foundation.
The Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo, one-week food festival organized by the group of ACCCII President Larry Barbasa and Amelia Rentilloi, will be opened to the public at the provincial capitol grounds. There will be live performances of band groups from 5:00 p.m. to 12 midnight.
On April 24, crafts exhibitors will meet with Annie Quigley of Beam and Reach Exhibition Services. Also scheduled this day are the Design and Market Trend Seminar at PSMED Center and Plapla Cooking Contest.
The activities for the Aklan Commemorative Day on April 25 include a Thanksgiving Mass at the St. John the Baptist cathedral, Kite Flying Contest at Aklan State University-SIT Quadrangle and Flag-Raising and Wreath laying ceremonies. The Commemorative Program at the ABL Sports Complex will start at 10:00 a.m. with Cong. Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and Gov. Chavit Singson sa Guest Speakers.
On April 26, the activities are Dog Show at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, Technology Forum for Food Processors at PSMEDC Center and Dialogue with SMEs by Global Sources also at PSEMDC Center.
The awarding Ceremonies for the 8th Piña Festival and Trade Fair was set on April 27 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds.