Month-long events kick off 110th city charter celebration

BAGUIO CITY – The local government lined up numerous activities for the month-long celebration of the 1110th Baguio Charter Day celebration with the theme “Nurturing the Environment for Sustainable Development.’

Ticking off the celebration and setting the theme of nurturing the environment, will be the launching of the Bambusetum at Dominican Hill, Quirino Hill and Pacdal and free emission testing along Harrison road, all on August 30, 2019.

On September 1, 2019, the celebration of the city’s Charter Day will start with the civic parade at around 8am starting at the Melvin Jones grandstand up to the Baguio Convention Center where the main program will be held with Senator Panfilo M. Lacson as the guest of honor and speaker.

City Tourism Operations Officer engineer Aloysius C. Mapalo said the celebration continues with old western-themed fiesta featuring fun-filled whole-day activities, online games and concerts along Session road, culminating with a grand fireworks at around 7:30 pm.

He added the theme nurturing the environment will be highlighted with a bonsai exhibit at the Igorot Park.

On September 2, 2019, the city government and the Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB) will honor the outstanding citizens awardees with a testimonial dinner followed by the tribute to the World War II veterans during the celebration of National Victory Day on Sept. 3.

The Baguio Day Health Fair that will include an educational forum and free consultations on health consciousness will be held on September 6, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Charter Day Jobs Fair will follow on September 14, 2019 at the PFVR gymnasium while the Balili river cleanup drive will be done on September 16, 2019.

On September 20-22, 2019, the city government will spearhead the put-up of a cultural village showcasing the different cultures of the citizens of Baguio, from the Ibaloi to other indigenous communities of the Cordillera, from the lowlanders to the many different international communities, featuring cultural exhibits at the Malcolm Square.

On September 27, 2019, concerned tourism stakeholders will gathering for the Baguio Tourism Summit,  a convergence of old and new members, for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism programs for the city while the coronation night for the Search for Miss Baguio will be held on September 28, 2019.

Completing the highlight of the month-long celebration will be the Baguio Charity Ball, a civic gathering of benefactors, donors and friends in support of the city’s programs for children, and the promotion of culture and arts, to be held at the Baguio Convention Center on September 29, 2019 at around 6 pm.

Baguio City was declared as a chartered city by the Philippine Commission during its session held in the city on September 1, 1909 and evolved into one of the well-developed cities and a prime tourist destination in the country, as well as a melting pot of different cultures to date. -- Dexter A. See