By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – A dinner and
fellowship night was tendered by the Fiesta Executive Council 2015 on Saturday
evening at St. Columban College Gymnasium following the success of the weeklong
celebration of the feast of Sr. Sto. Nin, January 9-18.
Fiesta Executive Council 2015 chair Rev.
Father Rico Sayson expressed his deep gratitude to the various stakeholders especially
the sponsoring groups for actively supporting the nine-day Novena Masses held
at Sto. Nino Cathedral here.
Sayson lauded the stakeholders who contributed
immensely to the success of the fiesta celebration.
He said the role of the stakeholders was very
vital in making the events successful and peaceful. “I thanked them for their
willingness and diligence to serve the fiesta executive council and participate
the religious activities in honor of our patron saint Sr. Sto. Nino.”
Pasalamat Festival steering committee chairman
Councilor Cesar Dacal Jr. in his message said the active involvement and
participation of stakeholders in the weeklong religious activities had inspired
the poor people to participate in all of the events that were anchored on the
theme, “Ang Batang Hesus, Nagpakatawong Kabus, aron Matubos ang mga
Kabus” (The Child Jesus was born poor in order to redeem the poor).
On the other hand, Councilor Ernesto Mondarte,
chairman of security and marshals committee, thanked the law enforcement
agencies particularly the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office for
sending 53 policemen to augment the security force during the fiesta
celebration, the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division for sending two
military choppers, the Philippine Navy for sending three patrol gun boats, and
Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Police for providing security and safety
during the fluvial procession.
Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent Arturo Bayocot of
the Zamboanga del Sur Schools division was impressed with the good working
relationships demonstrated by the stakeholders.
“It’s good to see the harmonious working relationships of
the different government agencies, business and civic organizations. The common
denominator of this is that all are believers of Christ and that motivation brings
us all here,” Bayocot said.
Plaques of appreciation were awarded to the
sponsoring groups in recognition of their valuable contributions fto the
success of the Pasalamat Festival 2015.