Capiz slates fiesta to mark foundation anniversary
Roxas City -- The provincial government of Capiz is preparing fiesta celebration dubbed "Capiztahan" from April 11–15 to mark the 107th foundation anniversary this year of the establishment of a civil government for the entire province. The event took place on April 15, 1901.
April 15 also marks the death anniversary of Capiceño President Manuel A. Roxas, who was the last president of the Philippine Commonwealth and first president of the Philippine Republic.
Presiding over a general assembly meeting held March 12 in preparation for the celebration, Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr., who was as eager as any other Capiceño about the special event, said this will be the first time for the province to celebrate its charter anniversary after the Department of Finance (DOF) recently upgraded the status of Capiz into a First Class province.
Based on the line-up of activities drawn up by the Executive Committee in consultation with various sectors, Capiztahan promises to be a festive affair on a province-wide scale.
Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro presented the proposed activities to highlight the celebration that would be kicked off by a Solidarity Caravan and Walk (Panglakaton sa Paghiliusa) on April 11.
Other opening day activities are thanksgiving mass (Misa Pasalamat), flag raising and opening program (Bunggad), blessing and inauguration of projects (Patubas), Fiesta Capizeño, and Halad sang Bombo of local radio station DYOW Bombo Radyo.
An interactive exhibit dubbed Dungog Kapisnon will be held at the Panublion Museum throughout the duration of the celebration.
There will also be tourism Olympics, heritage tour, sports competitions, grand concert, outreach programs of the provincial government and non-government organizations, theater presentation on the life of President Manuel A. Roxas, fireworks competition, and showcase of local musical groups and contemporary bands.
A wreath laying ceremony and program will be held April 15 in honor of the late President Roxas. The day has been declared President Manuel A. Roxas Day by virtue of Republic Act No. 9217 and is a special holiday in the province and the capital City of Roxas.
The theme of the celebration is "Gintugyan nga Panublion: Handumanan kag Manggad sang Kapisnon." (PIA)