Tuguegarao, Cagayan—In observance of the annual Aggao Nac Cagayan, marking the province’ 437th founding anniversary, Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba envisions an economic curve that points upward despite the coronavirus pandemic.
"There are silver linings out of the pandemic we are in now. Let us not lose hope, this is the chance that we can work together,” Mamba said.
“I have this vision for Cagayan province as a place to be proud of, livable and peaceful locale to live in, a progressive locality with disciplined people, with leaders who will love and care for its populace and be connected with the developing countries in the north, as stated in Cagayan Development Agenda 2025, which I started during my stint to lead the province,” he stressed.
This year’s festival theme, “Mappa Sigiran," Ibanag words which mean “going north,” aims to reconnect the province to its neighboring developed countries such as China, Japan and Taiwan.
It will put the province as a major economic, tourism and investment hub and open opportunities not only for economic drives, but also for tourism and agriculture development, Mamba said.
As a growing economic haven of the Cagayan Valley Region, Cagayan province is the most viable site for development, considering its location not only among Asian countries but across the globe, he said.
“We make it a point that it was not us solely developing our place, but rather making the Cagayanos as part of the development. Alongside, we create better accessibility to sites and services even for our children,” the governor said.
“In 10 to 20 years from now, it will be possible to achieve the growth at par with the developing countries,” Mamba said.
The 437th Aggao Nac Cagayan celebration started with a tree-planting activity at Tuao town led by the governor, Mayor Francisco Mamba Jr., Vice Mayor William Mamba, provincial and municipal department heads, consultants, and employees.
A special flag raising ceremony was held at the Cagayan Sports Center, following a virtual thanksgiving Mass and an online film viewing.