Pampanga marks 446th founding anniversary; food festival today

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga - Meaningful and fitting activities were held at the provincial capitol on Wednesday to mark the start of the week-long celebration of Pampanga’s 446th founding anniversary.

Gov. Lilia G. Pineda formally opened the founding anniversary festivities and activities with a thanksgiving mass and a flag-raising ceremony at the Arnedo Park Capitol Grounds early morning, and the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) and awarding of DOLE grants to 4,943 beneficiaries.

The day was capped with the lighting of the Christmas decors and fireworks display at the capitol grounds. Kapampangan Food Festival Easily one of the highlights of the celebration is the first Kapampangan Food Festival, where over 2000 local and international guests are expected to flock to Clark Freeport’s Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks to celebrate and taste the flavours of Pampanga.

President Duterte is scheduled to grace the occasion, accompanied by Governor Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and former president and incumbent 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The mega food fest is aimed at showcasing the province’s native and authentic delicacies, as well as promote Kapampangan culinary heritage.

At least 19 municipalities and two cities will showcase their best best ‘’lutong barrio’’ cuisine, while well known Kapampangan chefs like Sau del Rosario, Claude Tayag, Howard Dizon, Lourdes Castro, Judy Uson and Chloe Ann Caugiran, among others, will also feature their culinary offerings during the whole day festivity. Kapampangan

pride, honor Pineda urged her constituents to celebrate the day with pride and honor, and also encouraged visitors and tourists to experience the week-long festivities, which will center on Kapampangan tradition, food and culture.

Arwin Paul Lingat of the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP) said the activities lined up starting on December 6 are preludes to Pampanga Day (Aldo ning Kapampangan) on December 11, when 11 most outstanding Kapampangans will be honored.

More activities Other activities lined up are the Health Summit and Medical Mission spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) together with the chiefs of hospitals on December 8 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center (BZGCC), a motorcade featuring ‘Race and Shine’ Vintage Car Show and a mini concert on the evening of December 9 and the crowning of the Mutya ng Kapampangan on December 10.