Roxas City News

by BENNY P. CORTES

City Hall Sponsors Mass Wedding

Some 260 unwedded couples participated in a mass wedding festival locally known as "Tambi-Palad" held at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, Roxas City, December 5. The holding of this group nuptial activity coincided with the second day celebration of Sinadya sa Halaran Festival as part of its cultural activities.

The Tambi-Palad officiated by Most Rev. Onesimo C. Gordoncillo, D.D. Archbishop of Capiz was concelebrated with 20 other priests.

Roxas City Mayor Vic Bermejo congratulated the wedded couples after the nuptial rites. Bermejo praised and thanked Msgr. Gordoncillo and other priests. Mrs. Remedios Laplana, the city population officer, campaigned, facilitated and organized the wedding festival. Most of the city councilors and other city hall functionaries present served as sponsors in the said festivity.

The good and amiable archbishop also thanked the organizers of the Tambi-Palad as a "gift" to Mama Mary on her feast day on December 8, culminating activity of Sinadya sa Halaran.

The Fluvial Procession, though intermittently raining, was a great success. Mama Mary’s icon was borne on a Pagoda Boat beautifully decorated with flowers and Christmas lights. It was escorted by Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus of the Archbishop Antonio Frondusa Assembly, ACN-1796, of Roxas City.

It started at Brgy. Punta Tabuc, Roxas City, then proceeded to the Capiz Bridge after the 5 p.m. Misa sa Plaza. A new innovation introduced by City Councilor Carla Abela and Engr. Julius B. Abela, Grand Knight of Council 3691 of the Knights of Columbus, was when the Pagoda Boat reached the Capiz Bridge, Mama Mary’s icon was airlifted with the use of a crane over the bridge. The maritime cadets and other members of the Knights of Columbus carried the icon to the Metropolitan Cathedral where it was enshrined and blessed. Hundreds of devotees flocked to the altar in adoration and prayer to Mama Mary, the Mother of God and Patroness of Roxas City.

LGU Fellowship Night

The city and provincial governments of Roxas and the province of Capiz, respectively, held jointly the Gab-i sang Pagpasalamat as part of the weeklong celebration of "Sinadya sa Halaran" 2008 in this city on December 4 to 8. It was a gesture of thanks to the Lord Almighty for the graces and bounties received from Him. Also, to the people of the province and this city for their invaluable support and cooperation in local governance headed by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco and City Mayor Vicente B. Bermejo with the support of Sen. Mar Roxas.

Mrs. Judy A. Roxas was special guest of honor. In her brief message, Mrs. Roxas said she was always present in Roxas City during the LGU Night as well as other Sinadya sa Halaran related activities. She also conveyed the Christmas season’s greetings and thanks to the Capizeños for the support given to the Roxases.

On the same occasion, Mayor Bermejo and Governor Tanco presented awards of Excellence in Local Governance (EXCELL) to local government units (LGUs) the program of which was initiated and administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office, Region 6.

Mrs. Helen J. Mestidio, DILG provincial director of Capiz, presented the awardees with Plaque of Recognition to:

For category A (Municipalities), Pontevedra. 1st places, Panay, 2nd place; and Dumarao, 3rd place.

For category B (Municipalities), Maayon, 1st place; Ivisan, 2nd place; and Sapian, 3rd place.

Special awards were given to Pontevedra for Best in Administrative Governance and Best in Social Services; Mun. of Maayon for Best in Economic Development; and Mun. of Panay for Best in Environmental Management.

The City of Roxas is Best Performing City, Special Awardee on Economic Development, and Best in Environmental Management.

The Roxas City DILG office headed by Jose Aurelio Roldan was adjudged Best Performing Component City Office for three consecutive years, (2006, 2007 and 2008) out of the 14 component cities in Western Visayas. /MP