By Hilda Austria/PNA
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The provincial government of Pangasinan will lead the celebration of the centennial founding anniversary of its Capitol building with the event called “Agaag na Kapitolyo” on Dec.15 and the launching of a commemorative stamp on Dec.17.
“Agaag na Kapitolyo” features a Thanksgiving Mass (the start of the “Anticipated Simbang Gabi”), Concert cum Variety Show, 100 Lights Dance Number, Kidiyam 3D projection of the Capitol Building History, and a Fireworks Display.
The provincial government will showcase at the event the Capitol building’s 100 years of “stronger heritage, and a stronger Pangasinan,” according to a statement issued by the Provincial Information Office (PIO) on Friday.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan said a commemorative stamp featuring the Capitol building will be launched on Dec. 17, as part of the celebration.
“Leading the momentous activity on Dec. 17, shortly after the regular flag-raising ceremony, Governor Amado I. Espino III and Philippine Postal Corporation Assistant Postmaster General for Marketing Luis D. Carlos will present the stamp, which serves as a symbol of Pangasinan’s stronger heritage,” the PIO said.
Winners of the Capitol centennial photo contest, with the theme “Stronger Heritage, Stronger Pangasinan” from Nov. 12 to 18, will be announced, alongside the launching of the commemorative stamp.
A photo exhibit will at the same time be opened at the ground floor of the Capitol Building.
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members have passed an ordinance declaring the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol Building as a cultural heritage site to commemorate its 100 years of historical and cultural milestone.
“We acknowledge that the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol building is one of the most beautiful capitols in the country and the declaration is also timely because the province will be celebrating the 100 years of the capitol building in December this year,” 4th district board member Jeremy Agerico Rosario said in recent interview.
Rosario added the SP members wanted the Capitol Building to be preserved and for the national government to fund the restoration and maintenance of the old edifice.
He said the Capitol Building has its historical value, as it stood the test of World War II, while he also commended former Governor Amado Espino Jr. for restoring and preserving the original design of the capitol.
The construction of the capitol started in 1917 and was completed in December 1918 during the American colonial period. It suffered the ravage of World War II but was reconstructed in 1948.
“The capitol represents the service of the government to its people,” Espino III said in a previous interview.
