The affairs coincided with the opening of the Region I Athletic Association’s (R1AA formerly the Ilocos Region Athletic Association) sports competition last March 18.
The city lined up activities for the celebration “with lesser pomposity “ as what have been practiced in the previous years, said Mayor Bobom.
“We have to practice austerity measures because of economic difficulties. Our city budget for this year has dropped by at least 5.7 % due to the decrease of internal revenue allotment (IRA) share from the national government brought about by the creation of new 16 cities in the country,” Perez explained.
Perez also said the city’s hosting of the R1AA is a boost to the city’s tourism activities and to showcase the transformation of the city brought about by the leadership of the present administration and the cooperation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the city folk and the private sector.
The Dumayo Festival, now on its second year, was opened with a mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral “to give thanks to the Lord Almighty for the blessings the city has received throughout the years,” he said.
This was followed by a grand parade where carabaos adorned with various ornaments were featured. The parade also featured street dancers from San Carlos City’s mango festival, Alaminos City’s Gali-cayo Festival, Urdaneta City and the Benguet-Baguio ethnic group.
The parade culminated in the awarding of prizes for the best dressed carabaos and the best street dancers at the Urdaneta City Convention and Sports Center.Cash.
Gracing the awarding ceremonies were Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., 5th District Clemente Arboleda, Jr. and San Quntin Councilor Bayani Villar, Chair of the Provincial Association of Municipal Tourism Officers.
Calimlim lauded the organizers of the Dumayo Festival particularly Mayor Perez and City Tourism Officer Rosario “Chinky” Perez for coming up with activities to promote the tourism potentials of the city.
Other activities that gave meaning to the celebration were: Basbas ng Pag-iisang Dibdib (free mass wedding) held at the Balikbayan Hall last March 23; bloodletting activity last March 24, tree planting for environment preservation at the periphery of the city’s engineered sanitary land fill last March 25 and the jobs fair sponsored by the Rotary Club of Urdaneta last March 26.
Urdanetaray, a fun run for a cause last March 31, capped the celebration of the Dumayo Festival.
Repost from Northern Watch
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