By Mary May A. Abellon
Dipolog
City has proven that amidst all adversities and with all the possibilities, it
can stand and etch a big name in the region, in particular, and in the country
in general.
It draws inspiration
from a Biblical passage in Deuteronomy 28:1-3, which goes: “And if you
faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his
commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above
all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and
overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be
in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.”
Indeed,
the city is truly blessed as manifested by its continuing growth and
development through the years resulting from a confluence of efforts by the
leaders and their constituents on a “give-and-take” relationship.
With
a sense of responsibility and accountability, the leaders and the constituents
alike are working for the good and welfare of the greater majority.
Dipolog
may be small in size, having an area of only 13,598 hectares and 21 barangays, yet this city excels a lot in many
things.
The leaders
As
the capital of the province of Zamboanga del Norte, it demonstrates resiliency
and dynamism in all aspects of socio-economic-political-cultural affairs.
According
to many, Dipolog is mature enough when it comes to electing leaders. The
elective officials here are known for their integrity, probity and industry
and, above all, they are God-fearing.
These
traits of the city public officials are all reflected in “SWIGAPORE 2030”
vision which aims to make Dipolog a God-centered, peaceful and self-reliant
super city.
“SWIGAPORE”
is a combination of Switzerland and Singapore, after which the development
program of Dipolog is patterned. Switzerland is known for its clean and green
environment in Europe while Singapore is the bustling city-state in Southeast
Asia.
Centennial anniversary
The
city turned 100 years old last July 1 since its creation as a municipality on
July 1, 1913 with its first mayor, Pascual Martinez, who was appointed by Gen.
John J. Pershing, Governor-General of Mindanao.
As
the years rolled by, Dipolog became the center of commerce and industry of
Zamboanga del Norte. Thus, on June 21, 1969 former President
Ferdinand E. Marcos signed into law the Dipolog City Charter, Republic Act
5520, which took effect on January 1, 1970. The date is remarkable and historic
for the city because it coincided with the launching of the Apollo 11 that
carried the first men on the moon. And the city adopted a logo with an icon of
this rocket signifying its continued pursuit for excellence.
Through
the leadership of Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, the centennial mayor, and the other city
officials, business sectors, civic organizations, religious groups and many
others were one in making the centennial celebration meaningful and colorful.
Centennial float parade and grandiose
fireworks display
This
is the time of delight, the time of laughter, the time of merry-making in
Dipolog!
People
from the different places including local and foreign tourists flocked to the
city to witness this big event that only happened every 100 years.
The
centennial celebration started with a grand float parade participated in by
over 5,000 people as thousands of spectators along the streets were watching.
The
parade, which ran from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., was the longest ever in the
history of the city.
No less
than Senator Bam Aquino, the guest speaker, stated that it was the longest
parade he had ever seen in his life.
The
float parade featured the different landmarks of the city such as the old
Municipal Hall, Holy Rosary Cathedral, Punta Corro Cruz, 3003 Steps of Linabo
Peak, Sungkilaw Falls, Cogon Eco-Tourism Park, Dipolog Rotonda, Dipolog
Boulevard, Multi-Purpose Sports Complex and many more.
These
landmarks illustrate the progress of the city from a sleepy town to a bustling
city.
“We have
seen the joy in Dipolog though we were not there in 1913, through the memoirs
and old accounts it showed us what Dipolog before was,” said City information
Officer Robert Pinsoy.
“It’s
like travelling back to time appreciating Dipolog as it soars higher towards
its destiny,” he added.
A
grandiose fireworks display that lasted for about half an hour marked the grand
festivity with all and sundry enjoying the fun amid thundering cheers: Dipolog onward
to Swigapore 2030!
Free live concert with international
singer
International singer-songwriter
David Pomeranz added color to this city’s centennial celebration with his live
concert on the eve of July 1 at the Dipolog City Sports Complex at Barangay
Olingan.
The
city government of Dipolog led by Mayor Evelyn T. Uy in partnership with
private sectors made the free live concert with the American singer possible.
People
from all walks of life and from the different places of Zamboanga del Norte were
raring to witness for the first time the live performance of the American
singer right here in the city.
Pangadlaw awards
Pangadlaw
Awards were given to chosen individuals who worked hard and
succeeded in their chosen professions that redound to the benefit of the entire
community.
Among them were FIFA International Referee Mr.
Jovanie S. Villagracia, Businessman-Philanthropist Mr. William Y. Uy, OISCA
Mindanao Director Mr. Hiroshi Ikeda, US-Based Anesthesiologist Dr. Deborah A.
Bobila, Professor Emeritus of University of San Carlos, Cebu City Dr. Resil B.
Mojares, Former Department of Labor and Employment Undersecretary Atty. Lourdes
M. Trasmonte, Retired Diplomat-Ambassador Dr. MacArthur F. Corsino, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Flag
Officer-in-Command, Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Jose Luis M. Alano.
All
former mayors like the new Zamboanga del Norte Governor Robert Y. Uy, were also
given the awards in recognition of their valuable and immense service to
Dipolognons as they all served as pillars of the city’s golden journey. (PIA9)