By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor Mark Alcala and Vice Mayor Alcala, joined by local officials, honor Maximino Tagulinao Ello, a 102-year-old reside...
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| Mayor Mark Alcala and Vice Mayor Alcala, joined by local officials, honor Maximino Tagulinao Ello, a 102-year-old resident of Barangay Ibabang Dupay, during Lucena City's 63rd Charter Anniversary celebration. (Photo from Lucena City PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Lucena City celebrated its 63rd Charter Anniversary on August 20, 2024, with a grand ceremony honoring the individuals and businesses who have significantly contributed to its growth and development. Led by Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala and Vice Mayor Roderick "Dondon" Alcala, the event, held at the Queen Margarette Domoit, served as the culmination of Lucena Day 2024 and showcased the city's thriving spirit and progress.
As the capital of Quezon Province, Lucena City holds a unique position as a highly urbanized city independent from the province's political jurisdiction. Its journey to cityhood began on June 17, 1961, and today, it stands as a bustling metropolis with a population exceeding 278,000 residents.
Also known as the "Lion City of the South," Lucena is celebrated for its vibrant cultural festivals, including the colorful Pasayahan sa Lucena and the awe-inspiring Agawan Festival. Beyond its cultural richness, the city also tantalizes taste buds with its signature dish, pansit habhab, a culinary delight cherished by locals and visitors alike.
The Charter Anniversary celebration was a testament to the collective achievements of the Lucenahins. Mayor Alcala expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the awardees, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the city's progress. He remarked, "Today, we celebrate not just another year in our city's history but the collective achievements of our people. The awardees we honor today embody the spirit of Lucena—resilient, innovative, and dedicated to building a better future for all."
He also stressed the importance of unity and cooperation in continuing to propel Lucena City forward towards greater success and prosperity, " Together, we have proven that through unity and cooperation, we can overcome any challenge and achieve remarkable progress. Let us continue to work hand in hand towards a brighter future for Lucena City."
Museo de Lucena: A Gateway to the City's Past
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the Museo de Lucena formally reopened its doors to the public on August 16th, following its relocation and renovation to the historic Old City Hall Building. This reopening, a highlight of the Lucena Day celebrations, allows residents and visitors to explore the city's vibrant past through captivating exhibits.
From a mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark mural and evocative paintings to treasured historical memorabilia, a dedicated collection honoring former Lucena Mayors, and an intricate diorama, the museum offers an immersive experience showcasing Lucena's journey from its early beginnings to its present-day dynamism.
Mayor Mark Alcala expressed his enthusiasm for the reopening, stating, "The Museo de Lucena is not just a repository of artifacts, but a living testament to the spirit and resilience of our people. It is a place where we can connect with our past, celebrate our present, and inspire our future." The relocation and renovation of the museum to the Old City Hall Building breathes new life into this landmark structure while providing a fitting home for the city's treasures.
The inauguration ceremony was a momentous occasion, with Mayor Mark Alcala and LCCA Chairperson Luzviminda Calzado leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony, alongside a distinguished representative from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
Recognizing Contributions and Fostering Partnerships
The Charter Anniversary celebration also recognized the Top 15 Registered Businesses with the Highest Tax Paid, demonstrating their commitment to the city's economic growth and job creation. This recognition serves as a morale booster for the business sector and reinforces the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering progress.
This recognition is a testament to their commitment to contributing to the economic growth of the city and their dedication to generating employment opportunities for the residents. It serves as a morale booster for them and the business sector in general, demonstrating their ongoing partnership with the local government in fostering economic progress for the city and the community.
In addition, two centenarian residents, Maximino Tagulinao Ello from Barangay Ibabang Dupay, 102 years old, and Magdalena Jordan Edra of Brgy. The elderly, 100 years old, were honored, symbolizing the city's deep respect for its elders and their wisdom. These centenarians represent resilience, history, and invaluable contributions to the legacy of this beloved city.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The success of Lucena Day 2024 was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the overall chairman and city tourism officer, Arween Flores, and the LNL Committee. The festivities showcased the city's rich history, culture, and achievements through a series of engaging events and activities that fostered a sense of community and pride.
Dr. Keith Mikhal "Kim" Tan, a distinguished guest speaker, native of Lucena, and son of the Governor, delivered an inspiring message that resonated with the audience. Sharing his personal connection to the city, he reflected on Lucena's remarkable transformation over the years.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and the community to ensure sustainable development, stating, "We believe that through the strong partnership of our communities, business owners, taxpayers, and our local government from the barangay level up to the city and provincial levels, we will continue to elevate our beloved City of Lucena."
The 63rd Charter Anniversary celebration, coupled with the reopening of the Museo de Lucena, served as a powerful reminder of Lucena City's resilience, progress, and unwavering spirit. It highlighted the city's rich past, vibrant present, and promising future, fueled by the collective efforts of its citizens and leaders. As Lucena City continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to preserving its unique identity while embracing progress and innovation, ensuring a bright future for all Lucenahins.
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