By Emmanuel D. Taghoy
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay– Sibugaynon’s flocked to the capitol grounds yesterday, Feb. 20, to join the opening of the weeklong observance of the 13th Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay.
With the theme, “Stand firm Sibugaynon’s, go for peace and prosperity,” the weeklong celebration started off with a motorcade followed by a thanksgiving mass and an awarding of plaque of appreciation by Governor Wilter Palma to the founding governor of Zamboanga Sibugay, George T. Hofer, who served the province from 2001-2010.
Zamboanga del Sibugay was carved out of Zamboanga del Sur in 2001.
Another plaque of appreciation was given to the “Yes Movement” for organizing the “Zamboanga Sibugay Team”, a civil society group that has contributed a lot for the province’s development.
The Agri-Fishery Trade fair was also officially opened yesterday, showcasing 16 booths filled with farm and fishery products which were set up by Sibugay’s 16 towns.
The best agri-fishery trade booth shall also be selected using the following criteria: Dress-Up with Display, 20%; Originality, 30%; Artistry, 20%; Cleanliness and Sanitation, 10%; And Sustainability of Products, 20%.
A drums and lyre competition also followed before noon with participants from the different elementary schools and high schools in the province.
Winning schools in elementary and high school categories would each receive P30 thousand cash for first prize, P20 thousand cash for second prize and P10 thousand cash for third prize.
A consolation prize of P5 thousand cash was also given to each participating school.
The competition was organized and facilitated by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Tourism Office.