Sketches

Cheers to Freedom!
June 12 is one of the most celebrated days in San Fernando as the city joins the entire nation in observing Independence Day. Since the start of his administration, Mayor Oca Rodriguez has been a prime mover in commemorating red-letter days in the province to make us citizens aware of our history and heritage.
This year is no exception as the City Hall and its private sector partners celebrated Independence Day with simple yet meaningful activities.
The morning event focused on the Civic Military Parade participated by various government offices and multi-sectoral representatives. The Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology were represented in the parade while the First Air Division of the Philippine Air Force did a complimentary confetti drop to liven up the activity.
Different organizations such as the Rotary Clubs of Central Pampanga and San Fernando (P), Pampanga Masonic Lodge 48, Jose Abad Santos Memorial Lodge 333 and Leonard Wood Lodge 105, Order of Demolay Far East Chapter and Virgilio Bunao Memorial Chapter and the Independence Day Executive Committee joined the City Officials in the wreath laying ceremony at the Heroes Park.
Also present were contingents from the City’s Muslim Sector, Transport Sector, Homeowners’ Association, Department of Education City School’s Division, City College of San Fernando faculty and officials, private schools such as the University of the Assumption, San Lorenzo Ruiz Center of Studies, ACSAT, CelTech, AMACC and the like, among many others.
Highlighting the day’s event was the Independence Day Ball held at the Heroes Hall where the City Mayor launched the Adopt a Scholar Program in his Independence Day toast in the presence of private sector leaders, top taxpayers of the city, and PHS alumni groups. This was a very timely move for the city to pursue free education for its constituents.
Guest of honor and speaker was international award winning independent film director Brillante Mendoza, a true blooded Fernandino who hails from Brgy. San Isidro. Direk Dante delivered a heartfelt message which stressed the importance of having the freedom to pursue one’s dream, based on his experiences.
Superb entertainment was provided by the City Hall’s very own choral group under Prof. Sonny Briones, Music Studio students Sherwin De Leon, Gio Dizon, Eric De Leon, Chelsea Monasterio, with artistic director Ms. Liz Liwanag, and the Miravilla Dei Strings Ensemble under Prof. Stan Palma. A serenade was given by the Magsilbi Tamu Brass Band 919 under the baton of Prof. Edwin Lumanug.
Kudos to the Independece Day Executive Committee under Coun. Lingat and Ms. Jeng Bonifacio for a job well-done! --By Jade Pangilinan