East Samar prepares for 52nd foundation anniversary

BORONGAN CITY, October 20, 2017–Preparations are underway for the celebration of the 52nd founding anniversary of the province on November 9.

SP Secretary Franklin Robedizo, chairman of the technical working group said that a week-long series of activities have been planned to mark the day, starting on November 3.

The development priorities of the provincial government, including creation of livelihood opportunities, delivery of basic services and judicious spending of resources among others, are at the center of the celebration, with the the theme “Eastern Samar @52: Overcoming Poverty, Building Resilience and Striving for Excellence”.

Among the activities are the regular medical, dental and optical mission that will be held at the Capitol and in the other clusters to make sure that many of our province mates can avail of these free services.

There will be a declaration of drug-free barangays.

The TWG said that there is a possibility that more barangays and even municipalities may be declared drug-cleared.

One of the highlights of the celebration is the tourism/agri fair and the launching of the Tourism Roadmap.

According to Robedizo, there will be booths showcasing agricultural and local processed products and tourism promotional materials.

It will also be a chance for farmers and buyers to meet; and players in the tourism industry to promote their products.

Robedizo said that “we will make sure that the whole province will be included in the celebration so aside from holding the events at the Capitol, there will be other venues. For the northern cluster, it will be on November 7 in Oras where the graduation of the farmers field school and distribution of farm implements will be held. The northern cluster office will also be launched on that day.

The activities in the southern cluster will coincide with the Yolanda commemoration on November 8 which will start with a mass and followed by the launching of the southern cluster office, graduation of farmer trainees, distribution of farm implements, consultations, among others.

Instead of a jobfair, there will be a service fair at the Capitol that will be participated by different agencies.

This year will also see the launching of the Provincial Hymn songwriting contest, the provincial tourism jingle writing contest and the search for outstanding Eastern Samareños.

On November 9, the activities will start with a parade and mass to be highlighted with the anniversary program.

To make the celebration festive, there will be cultural presentations, talent showcase and switching on of lights of adopted trees in preparation of the Christmas season. (Eden Cidro/Este News)