All systems go for Agew na Pangasinan

By Mar T. Supnad

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- It’s all systems go for the first- ever celebration of Agew na Pangasinan on April 5, when it celebrates its grand and historic 430th Foundation Anniversary.

Sixth District Board Member Alfonso Bince in an interview with the local media at the Capitol here said the realization of this event was a product of the sense of history of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr.

Espino who said that Pangasinenses deserve to know their point of origin did not stop in planning even as he created a research and study committee chaired by lawyer Gonzalo T. Duque to come up with significant data to establish facts that will provide a solid foundation for the identity of the province.

Bince noted that past governors also made an attempt on this but maybe they lacked the desire to pursue an extensive research to enable them establish the needed facts.

Another sense of history in relation to the celebration Bince said is the transformation of the Sison Auditorium into Sison Cultural and Heritage Center where the historical documents and practices of the province of Pangasinan in its 430 years of existence will be enshrined.

The celebration will be grand and historic because it will also honor outstanding Pangasinenses who have made remarkable historical imprints in various fields for the last 430 years.

The former provincial governors and their families are also invited including Governor Conrado Estrella who at 93 yrs. old is considered as the longest living former chief executive of Pangasinan.

Towards this end, he invited his provincemates to celebrate with the provincial government on April 5 which he described as a resurrection of Pangasinan’s history.

Other spectacular and historic events that will entertain Pangasinenses are the civic parade dubbed as “Parada na Dayew Mi,” which will showcase the timelines in the history of Pangasinan, the unveiling of the provincial seal and historical marker showing 1580 as the foundation date, a concert featuring famous bands, and a grand display of fireworks at the Lingayen beach area.

The ASNA Awards will also be held giving recognition to outstanding Pangasinenses and the inauguration of the Pangasinan Eco-Tourism Zone in Brgy. Estanza, Lingayen which is one of the mega projects of Gov. Espino.