Guagua town to celebrate 427th founding anniversary
GUAGUA— Mayor Dante Torres yesterday announced that Guagua will be celebrating its founding anniversary on May 15 with a series of activities highlighting the town’s commercial and cultural importance.
During a press conference yesterday, Torres led local officials and employees in presenting this year’s activities for the 427th Aldo ning Balen Wawa 2018. Events include the on the spot woodcarving exhibition on April 27. There will also be an exhibit of wood works on May 15.
Other events include the spoken poetry competition, Ukulele and guitar festivals and recognition of the Outstanding Guaguaenos on May 16. The much awaited Dukit Festival and Binibining Guagua events are scheduled on May 17.
This town’s Sangguniang Bayan passed Ordinance No. 10-S-2018 recognizing May 17, 1590 as the founding date of the town.
Wawa, which means “river mouth” was the earliest recorded form of the town’s name according to records dating back to 1590.
The town is strategically located along a river which played a vital role in trade and transportation during the pre-colonial era. Wawa was already a prosperous settlement when Spanish colonists took control of the town in the year 1561, from then on calling it Guagua, which is a Hispanised form of the original name.
Torres said that the celebration would draw the much needed attention on the town’s historic, cultural and economic importance in the overall fabric of Kapampangan identity. He added that the events for this year aim to draw attention on the town’s industries and culture for the better appreciation of the younger generation of residents.