MAASIN CITY-It’s all systems go for the province of Southern Leyte to hold this year’s anniversary celebration on July 1 sixty-three ( 63) years after separating by virtue of law from the mother province of Leyte, and after a three-year break due to the global pandemic.
“A future proof Southern Leyte against all odds” is this year’s theme, indicating a sense of resilience for the people and officials when faced with natural calamities and emerging health-related concerns.
Jason Calva, provincial administrator, formally announced the series of day-time and nocturnal activities of the anniversary during a meeting of the provincial disaster risk reduction management council (PDRRMC) at the old DPWH building on Wednesday, June 14.
The formal start of the festivities began Friday, June 16, with the opening of a food court in the capitol sunken garden, spiced with live local bands by evening.
Various sports competitions started on Wednesday, June 21, such as basketball, national darts tournament, Tour de So. Leyte cycling race, Gov. Mercado badminton competition, volleyball, football, futsal, boxing, and mixed martial arts.
On Monday, June 26, another competition, the inter-agency sports fest, will start right after the opening Mass and a motorcade, then in the afternoon will be the anniversary walk from the city plaza to the capitol grounds, with DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos as the invited guest, Calva reported.
By June 28, the Agri Fair and Aqua Show will open, while pet lovers are to be treated to a dog show and fighting cock expo.
The most anticipated event will be the return of the Miss Southern Leyte beauty pageant on June 29, in which all 19 bets representing each LGU will vie for the coveted crown.
The guest speaker for the anniversary celebration on July 1 will be Sen. Francis Tolentino, Calva further said.
(MMP/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
