Here in Pagadian City, The only city in Mindanao that officially celebrates the Chinese New Year, a two-day celebration was scheduled on February 6 and 7, 2008. This is the fourth year the city government celebrated since Mayor Samuel S. Co assumed as the City Mayor of Pagadian.

Noisy firecrackers filled the air and light up the sky. Chinese families wearing traditional clothes gather in the streets to watch the colorful parade, waiting for the highlight of the show-the spectacular lion and dragon dance. Performers on stilts move to the beat of drums and cymbals as the giant lion or dragon twist and turn to the delight of the crowd.

This unique way of celebrating the New Year began long ago when Chinese people believed that the evil spirit called Nian caused the long, dark winter. The early Chinese gathered and started burning bamboo. The bright light and the loud popping noise, together with the constant beating of drums and gongs, were said to frighten the monster of cold and darkness.

The overall Chairman of the Committed on Tourism is City Wilson S. Co, and co – Chaired by Pagadian City First Lady Ilang-Ilang Fernandez Co. The members are the Officers and members of the City Tourism Council headed by Dr. Priscilla “Dicky” M. Fernandez and City Tourism Officer Mr. Jewelo P. Barrios and Staff and the Overall Coordinator is Mr. Bienvenido Toledo, Boys Scout Council Executive, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur and Sibugay Chapter.

During the program, the first part was started at 3:00 o'c;ock in the afternoon on February 6, lead by the Pagadian City Department of Education (DepEd) through their playground demonstration participated by eight Elementary Schools, Balangasan Central Elemtary School, Camp Abelon Central Elementary School, San Pedro Central Elementary School, Sta Lucia Central Elementary School, Snto Niño Central Elemtary School, Tumas Sagun Central Elementary School, Tuburan Central Elementary School, Pagadian City Pilot School and one Secondary school, Zamboanga del Sur School of Arts Trade (ZSSAT).

The second part was the program proper started at 6:00 o'clock pm with the invocation rendered by Pagadian City Chorale and Songsters followed by the Philippine National Anthem led by the Southern Mindanao College (SMC) Band and the singing of "Beautiful Pagadian."

" As the Overall chairman of the Steering Committee in this historical celebration of Chinese New Year here in our City of Pagadian, I am very much happy and thankful to all who rendered their cooperation and participated the success of this event," Wilson Co said in his opening remarks.

"As we know, the dawning of this New Year 2008, starts the Year of the Rat and will end with the Year of the Pig. And as we recall, the year 2007 saw noticeable changes in Pagadian City and definitely this year 2008 will also see new significant progresses.

It is noteworthy that our Filipino-Chinese people together with the other tri-people in Pagadian, have continued to work with us shoulder to shoulder in building a well-off society in an all-round way and have made full use of their diligence and wisdom to make new efforts to write a new chapter for a better life. They have boosted exchanges and cooperation with the tri-people of Pagadian, actively engaged in building of a harmonious Pagadian of lasting peace and prosperity.

Sure enough, this fourth Chinese New Year Celebration is not only to involve and recognize the Filipino-Chinese community’s contributions in the City’s progress, but also, with the revitalization of the bonds of friendship, unity and cooperation among us in the city.  That is precisely why we have also Eid’l Fitr Celebration for our Muslim brothers,  PINAGBUKLOD for the Subanens, and PASKUHAN and PASALAMAT FESTIVAL for the Christians.  Just like all other celebrations, I am sure this affair is a good opportunity to showcase the best potentials of our beautiful City of Pagadian. If there is anything Pagadian as the new Regional Seat of Government in Region IX can offer to the people of Mindanao, to the Philippines and to the world, is the city itself – its natural beauty, its warm and friendly multi-cultured people living in harmony & peace, and its world-class entertainment, "Mayor  Samuel S. Co said in his welcome message.

Pagadian City Chinese Chamber School will also present Chinese Modern Dance, Lantern Dance and also Dragon Dance. Announcement and awarding of winners of the Dress Up Your Doll Contest by First Lady Iang-ilang Co and the Chinese Painting Contest by City Councilor Wilson S. Co.

One of the highlights is the Fireworks Display then followed by the Giving of Gift to showcase the customary Chinese culture tradition and the arts by the Pagadian City Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Film showing will be performed by EMCOR and a Live Band presentation by San Miguel Beer.

Joining the celebration are the Elected officials of the city and province of Zamboanga del Sur, Governor Aurora “Auring” Cerilles, and Congressman Antonio “Tony” Cerilles, 2nd District who was represented by his father, Vicente Madarang Cerilles and Congressman Victor Yu, 1st District, who will give their respective messages during the program. Also attending were  some Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Board Members and City Council members and Barangay officials headed by Liga ng mga Barangay President Ricardo Alajeño.

Last update : 13-02-2008 12:18

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