Photos by Uniokeez Bautista, Jr., Sheryll Pontillas, Binan City Information Office, and Binan Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office
The City of Biñan has much to be thankful for, and did just that from February 2 to 4 as the progressive city in Laguna held a triple celebration to mark its milestones under the theme “Araw ng Biñan: Buhay ang Nakaraan, Sumasalubong sa Hinaharap (The Day of Biñan: Living its History, Facing its Future).”
Led by Mayor Walfredo “Arman” Reyes Dimaguila Jr., Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte representing the City Council, and lone district Rep. Len Alonte-Naguiat, Biñan celebrated its 7th Cityhood Anniversary with a whole day of activities.
Starting with the flag ceremony and opening program at the town plaza, Biñan’s officials and residents witnessed the Grand Parade, which traveled the traditional parade route around the city. They returned to the plaza for the opening of the Biñan Kakanin Food Fair, where locals and visitors alike sampled the native delicacies and new gastronomic offerings.
To cap the morning, Mayor Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Alonte and Rep. Alonte-Naguiat led the opening of the “Art in Public Places: National Arts Month 2017” exhibit at the town plaza. In the afternoon, residents were regaled by the Biñan City Brass Band Exhibition at the Biñan Multi-Purpose Hall, and the day ended with a Thanksgiving Mass at San Isidro Labrador Parish Church and a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Casa Binanense/School of Rizal Site and Museum.
February 3: Liberation Day
The following day marked the city’s 72nd Liberation Day, and started with the 1st Binan Folk Dance Festival, featuring “The Dances of Luzon” at the Binan Multi-Purpose Hall. Dancers from across the city came in colorful outfits and regaled tourists and natives alike.
Midmorning saw the inauguration and blessing of the Binan Command, Control and Communication Center and the Binan People’s Center, both at the City Hall Complex (see related stories on pages 3 and 4 – Editor). After lunch, the crowd headed up to the Biñan City Auditorium and People’s Center, where the city government staged a film showing for residents and visitors alike.
The afternoon program was all about Biñan’s World War II veterans, as Mayor Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Alonte, Rep. Alonte-Naguiat and city officials led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Binan’s Veterans Memorial. The city also hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for the veterans at the same venue, then treated the honorees to a tribute song-and-dance show, the “Liberation of Binan Dula-Sayawit” interschool competition, at Plaza Rizal.
under the “Art in Public Places” Program.
February 4: Foundation Day
Early the next day, a Friday, Mayor Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Alonte, Rep. Alonte-Naguiat and city officials led residents and guests in the Brigada Binan, a three-in-one activity held all over the city. They planted trees, joined the “Oplan Linis” community cleaning, and bolstered the Binan River clean-up drive, showing the true spirit of “bayanihan” or communal unity.
where the city’s dancers also performed.
Working up an appetite, they later converged at the Binan Multi-Purpose Hall for a hearty Brigada Lunch, then headed once again to the City Hall Complex to witness the start of the Friendship Games, which lasted the whole afternoon.
At night, the Binan City Auditorium and People’s Center was once again filled as the city held its first Binan Choral Festival with the theme “Songs for Inang Kalikasan (Mother Nature).” The three-day festival finally ended with a grand Fireworks Display at the Binan City Hall – showing how vibrant “the City of Life” truly is as it looks toward a bright future.