‘Buhay ang nakaraan, sumasalubong sa hinaharap’
Biñan City Mayor Atty. Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila, Jr. and representatives from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recognizing Biñan as a “Kaisa Sa Sining” Regional Arts Center last Feb. 2 at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.
This coincided with the celebration of Biñan Day last Feb. 2-4 where the city commemorated its eighth Cityhood Anniversary, 73rd Liberation Day and Foundation Day.
Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Officer BJ Borja shares that Biñan imbibes the theme, “Buhay ang Nakaraan, Sumasalubong
sa Hinaharap,” after the successful hosting of several activities that acknowledge the history and culture of Biñanenses.
The celebration officially started with a Grand People’s Parade led by Mayor Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Angelo “Gel” Alonte and Biñan City Rep. Marlyn “Len” AlonteNaguiat. Different products such as the famous Puto Biñan, shoes, slippers, hats and water hyacinth handicrafts were featured in Gawang Biñan exhibit.
In a press conference, City Public Information Officer Roman Carencia discussed some of the projects and programs of the current administration, namely, the restoration of the Alberto Mansion, and the creation of Biñan Science and Technology High School, River Walkway, wet and dry sections of the public market, and Bahay Pag-asa rehabilitaton centers.
Recently, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded the City Government of Biñan with a Seal of Good Local Governance (Pagkilala sa Katapatan and Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal) for its excellence in the Financial Administration, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection, and Peace and Order, Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Environmental Protection, Tourism, and Culture and the Arts.
NATIONAL ARTS MONTH 2018
A number of Biñanenses exhibited their exemplary talent in celebration of the National Arts Month. Jacobo Gonzales Memorial National High School won the Art in Public Spaces Wall Mural Contest at the School of Rizal Street, Dr. Marcelino Batista Elementary School won the Liberation of Biñan: Dula-Sayawit, and St. Michael’s College of Laguna won at the Biñan Choral Festival. The Biñan City Brass Band serenaded the crowd with famous movie theme songs while the MMFF 2017 Best Picture, Ang Larawan, was shown for free at Biñan City Auditorium. All these programs were part of the celebration of National Arts Month 2018.
Last Feb. 2, Sen. Loren Legarda graced the Appreciation Night to recognize the contributions of special people who became the pillars and foundation of the city.
“Laguna has a special place in my heart because my great grandfather, Potenciano Cabrera, was the first mayor of San Pablo. I congratulate Congresswoman Alonte and Mayor Arman for giving importance to art and culture in Biñan by gearing towards culture-based governance through their work for the establishment of its local Heritage District, restoration of the town plaza, acquisition of heritage sites and the declaration of important cultural properties,” says Legarda.
Acknowledged and awarded as the “Pillars of Good Governance” were the former mayors: Atty. Miguelito B. Limaco (1980-1986), Bayani ‘Arthur’ M. Alonte (19881998), Hermis ‘Boy’ C. Perez (19982007) and now Rep. Len AlonteNaguiat (2007-2016).
DAY OF LIBERATION
The local government also inaugurated the historical marker of the Hunter ROTC Guerrillas — WWII veterans who freed Biñan from the Japanese on Feb. 3, 1945, or exactly 73 years ago.
WWII Vet. Sixto M. Almario, the only surviving Hunters ROTC Guerrilla from Biñan, graced the unveiling ceremonies with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. Aside from visiting the city, Mayor Duterte distributed gifts to the children and women of Biñan. “Ipinaabot ng ating presidente ang
kanyang pagbati sa celebration ninyo sa Araw ng Biñan at sa pagkilala
ninyo sa mga veterans at mga sons and daughters ng veterans. To Mr. Almario, the priceless sacrifice and bravery you and your colleagues gave will eternally be kept in the hearts of every Biñanense, as generation to generation will treasure the liberty you boldly fought for,” said Mayor Duterte in her speech.
According to Mayor Dimaguila, the 73rd Liberation Day is celebrated to remind the people of Biñan of the important sacrifices of veterans who gave their lives for freedom. “Utang na loob natin
sa tulad ni Tatay Sixto ang ating kalayaan. Huwag nating kalimutan ang kasaysayan ng ating lungsod. Kung gaano kayaman ang kasaysayan ng ating bansa, ang ating lungsod ay hindi magpapaiwan,” he adds.
BREAKING NEW GROUND
Last Feb. 15, the long-awaited dream of then Mayor Len and Vice Mayor Arman came into fruition through the groundbreaking ceremony of Biñan Science and Technology High School in Brgy. San Francisco. Portion of the land was donated by Virginia Miriño.
First to be built is a four-story building with a total building area of 6,548 square meters (total lot area of 6,835 square meters). It will feature a lecture hall with 180 to 200 seating capacity, classrooms, a speech laboratory, a Chemistry laboratory, and other facilities. According to the city chief, the school will have its own ordinance and only qualified students will be accepted.
These are proof that the City of Biñan does not forget and gives importance to the past, continuously develops the present, and is prepared to face the future. Dahil sa Binan, mamamayan ay maaasahan.