Samar’s capital to mark 400th year anniversary

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 21 (PNA) -- The city government here has lined up several activities for the upcoming 400th year anniversary of this city as capital of Samar Island.

Activities ahead of the August 24 foundation day is also part of the Samar Day celebration from August 1 to 6. It will highlight the annual Mutya ng Samar pageant, dance competition, agro trade fair and Samar Day parade.

On August 8, the city government will sponsor a mass wedding for residents of the city who have been living together as couple for many years.

From the first week up to the third week of August, a regular presentation will be shown at the city’s plaza, depicting the lives of Catbalogan people from the Spanish colonization until the modern day.

Students who will be part of the 15-day presentation attended a workshop of Cebu-based musician and composer Lucien Letaba.

The city government will also launch the mini-museum that will house several memorabilia of old Catbalogan and coffee table book that contains historical and political facts of the city since 1616.

The city government together with the Philippine Postal Corporation will also launch the commemorative stamp of Catbalogan on August 21 and the documentary Quatro Cientos directed by veteran comedian and TV host Tessie Tomas, a native of this city.

The city government will also unveil the commemorative marker that symbolize the 400 years of the city that is moving forward to a better community.

Also in partnership with the provincial government, they will also launch the Maqueda Bay Sunset Cruise.

Catbalogan is the fourth place in Eastern Visayas that is celebrating 400th year of civilization. Other areas are the towns of Carigara in Leyte, Palapag in Northern Samar and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.

Catbalogan became the capital of Samar at the arrival of Jesuits missionary after Moros raided their residence in Tinago, Tarangnan, Samar. As residence, Catbalogan has jurisdiction over six pueblos, Catbalogan, Calbiga, Paranas, Bangahun (now Gandara), Yvatan and Capul.

Under Jesuits' administration, Catbalogan became not only the center of Catholic faith, but also of government and commerce. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR