LAOAG CITY — Officials and residents here marked the 53rd Charter Day of Laoag with a solemn thanksgiving mass and a pledge of unity by newly-elected barangay officials.
On Tuesday morning, Rev. Father Ambrose Monroy of the Diocese of Laoag officiated the mass at the Laoag City multi-purpose hall.
Attended by hundreds of city hall employees and officials led by City Mayor Chevylle Fariñas, along with representatives of various national government agencies, non-government organizations and other stakeholders, this year’s celebration was made more simple in the light of the untimely demise of Vice Mayor Michael Fariñas, husband of the incumbent mayor.
A mass oath-taking ceremony was also held for the new village officials, after which the city mayor urged them and the residents to continue inspiring and supporting one another for a better Laoag City.
“Greater things are on the way for Laoag for as long as we hold on together,” said Fariñas as she wished the officials would fulfill their pledge of unity and support for the ongoing programs and activities of the city government.
Laoag’s Charter Day celebration also came with more meaning as Tuesday, June 19, was also the birth anniversary of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
By virtue of Republic Act No. 4584, Laoag became a city in 1965. To give the people of Laoag full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies, President Rodrigo Duterte, through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, earlier issued Proclamation No. 506, declaring June 19 as a non-working holiday here. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)
