De
Lima graces Pagadian City’s street dancing competition; impressed by the
performances
By
Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 19
(PIA) – Former DOJ Secretary Leila M. de Lima on Sunday
thanked the city government for inviting her to witness the colorful street
dancing competition— Pagadian City’s own version of Sinulog Festival.
De
Lima, the event’s keynote speaker was impressed with the artistry, creativity
and level of performance of the eight contingents from public secondary schools
in the city during the ritual showdown held at Plaza Luz on January 17.
The
contingents wowed thousands of spectators with their
colorful costumes and electrifying dance performances during the six-hour
street dance competition that capped the annual “Pasalamat Festival.”
De
Lima in her message said on the same day, she witnessed the same event in Cebu
City – the Sinulog Festival upon the invitation of Cebu Governor Hilario Davide
as one of the guests but she skipped the event saying that it will be a whole
day activity.
“Galing
lang po ako sa Cebu kaninang umaga at pinanood ko rin po ang Sinulog Festival
na experience ko for the first time. Iniimbita po ako ng governor ng Cebu pero
hindi pa natapos ang okasyon umalis na ako at lumipad papunta rito sa Pagadian
dahil hindi ko gusto ma-miss ang affair na ito.” De
Lima explained.
De Lima said she was happy
that after several years, she was able to visit Pagadian.
“Today is my second time
to visit your place and I have noticed infrastructure developments. No wonder,
Pagadian earned the monicker “Little Hongkong of the South,” she added.
De Lima said Pagadian is
the center of different religions and culture in Mindanao because of its
geographical location. “Indeed, your city recognizes the importance of unity
and harmony of all Filipinos,” she added.
“In the feast of your
patron saint, Señor
Sto. Nino it will help you remember that the Holy Child played an important
role in our lives. He serves as a symbol of love and peace,” De Lima said
adding that despite the different cultures and beliefs, there is a peaceful
co-existence and unity of the residents.
