Clarification

Bryner L. Diaz, officer-in-charge of the Cultural & Historical Affairs Commission, Office of the Mayor, Cebu City

Irefer to Candido Wenceslao’s column “A commemoration” that was published on SunStar Cebu’s website last April 4. The article reads, “The other day was Tres de Abril, an important moment in the history of Cebu City but which City Hall officials didn’t give much of a fuss about.”

Towards the end of the article he wrote, “Commemorating events like Tres de Abril should properly be the function of the government. That City Hall isn’t doing this is unfortunate.”

What is very unfortunate is that Wenceslao was not informed about the efforts of this office in holding activities to honor the memories of our brave forefathers.

In fact, last April 3, we had a commemorative program at the newly constructed covered court in Barangay San Nicolas Proper, near Taboan Public Market.

The commemoration started with a floral offering at the Tres de Abril marker followed by a Eucharistic celebration led by Rev. Fr. Ramil Limbaga, a short reenactment of the battle and a program proper at the covered court.

This year, the San Nicolas Proper Barangay Council decided to take an active role by holding activities, such as the Battle of Sounds and the Battle of Champions led by Barangay Captain Clifford Jude Niñal after the city-sponsored event in the morning.

The activities this year are well documented and even covered by reporters who graced the event. In fact, on April 3, SunStar Cebu’s website published two articles in English and Cebu: https:// www.sunstar.comph/article/1800001 and https:// www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1799969/Superbalita:Cebu/Balita/Sangka-sa-Tres-de-Abril-gihandom.

Should you need further documentation, you can visit the Facebook Page of the Cebu City Public Information Office and the Cultural and Historical Affairs Office.

I hope this clears your first impression that the City is not doing its job.