Tuguegarao City—This year’s Aggao Nac Cagayan celebration commemorates the 436th founding anniversary of the civil government of Cagayan and the “astonishing victory” of Cagayanos.
Its theme, “Agkaykaysa Cagayano Panalo” manifests the economic, social, cultural and political victories of the province, Governor Manuel N. Mamba said.
“Considering our locales rich resources, natural charms of our local culture, colorful heritage, diligent people and dynamic talents we have the potential to become one of the bustling provinces in the country,” Mamba said.
“Our focus now is ‘Cagayan Looking Northward’ eyes for a reconnection with the Asian countries like China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan as a lee-way to lift up Cagayan in the international investment and market,” he added.
“We will open the gates for progress and development, bringing in more investors in the province and continuing our development agenda, especially in the countryside,” Mamba stressed.
The governor noted that the city of Manila “is only 12 years older than our province; Cagayan now on its 436 years is still left behind. Since then, Cagayan is a premier province and let us bring it back to be one.”
Apart from the festivity capitalizing on the province’s gains in agriculture, tourism, and other drivers of the economy, the governor emphasized they would consider the reopening of the Port of Aparri and the dredging of the Cagayan River “for our objective in bringing our locality in the international and global dimension.”
“We have always been prepared for economic expansions as we unite towards one vision “• the realization of genuine progress especially among the marginalized and deprived communities in the province. Indeed, the recent electoral exercise is an evidence of the grit and willpower of the Cagayano,” he reiterated.
“Despite the incessancy of dirty politics, foremost of which is vote buying, our people have resoundingly spoken that Cagayan rejects corruption, incompetence, and abuse of power. That the policies and programs we have implemented beginning in 2016 must continue this 2019 and beyond; that we deserve the kind of government and governance we have at present,” Mamba stressed.
The weeklong celebration kicked off on June 23 and will conclude on Saturday, June 29. The event will feature several colorful, fun and exciting events that will celebrate the life, heritage, traditions, and victory of Cagayanos.
The celebration started with Fun Bike via a route from Tuguegarao City to Nassiping, Gattaran, followed by a tree-planting activity led by Mamba, provincial capitol department heads, consultants, and employees to instill awareness on protecting the environment. A Thanksgiving mass led by Archbishop Sergio L. Utleg followed the inauguration of a Visitors Pavilion in Gattaran town.
Day 2 displays the products and technology through the Agri-trade Fair at the Mamba Gym, with 21 exhibitors coming from the different municipalities, 9 seed companies, 6 National government agencies, 63 souvenir items, 18 ornamental plants, 33 food stalls, 40 furniture, and woodcraft.
Two private exhibitors joined the trade fair showcasing One Town, One Product or OTOP of the different towns and Serbisyong gawang Cagayano; SMB Mini Concert and Cagayan Singing Idol in the same venue.
Other arrays of activities are entertaining programs and competitions such as Sand Sculpting at Aparri Beach, Bangkarera at Punta Aparri, Agkaykaysa Concert, Livestock Raisers Day, LGBTQ Volleyball Tournament, Cultural Presentation Featuring Mural Design, World Blood Donor Day and Blood Letting led by the Provincial Government of Cagayan at the Cagayan Sports Coliseum.
The newly renovated Rizal Park in Tuguegarao City will also be inaugurated on June 29.
‘Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano and Awards Night ,’ now on its 3rd year will heightened the festivity by giving awards to outstanding Cagayanos who have excelled in their field of expertise to be held at the Provincial Museum.
Battle of the Bands which is an awaited event for Cagayanos will present various talents on stage as they will perform at Mamba Gym on the evening of 30th June.
