The Cebu Provincial Government kicked off its 457th founding anniversary celebration on Monday, Aug. 3, with Governor Pamela Baricuatro teasing a “major announcement” during her upcoming State of the Province Address (SOPA) while officially opening this year’s expanded Tabo sa Kapitolyo trade fair.
The month-long celebration opened with a flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol attended by provincial officials, lawmakers, mayors, representatives of national government agencies and other guests.
Baricuatro led the opening rites with Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, members of the Provincial Board and Provincial Administrator Ace Durano.
The province commemorates its founding every Aug. 6, marking the appointment of Miguel López de Legazpi as Cebu’s first governor by King Philip II of Spain in 1569. Republic Act No. 7698, as amended, declares Aug. 6 a special non-working holiday throughout Cebu Province, including its component and highly urbanized cities.
Addressing Capitol employees and local officials, Baricuatro expressed optimism about Cebu’s future.
“Happy anniversary. Imagine, 457th founding anniversary, and that’s something. Padayon lang ta and the best is yet to come,” she said.
She also welcomed the presence of local leaders from across the province, describing it as a demonstration of cooperation among government officials.
“I’m very happy nga they’re showing support sa Province. It’s a show of unity… This is a very good message to the people that we are here to work and serve you,” Baricuatro said.
Asked whether Capitol employees would receive an anniversary bonus, the governor declined to elaborate and told reporters to “wait lang ta ig August 6.”
Baricuatro also pointed to her scheduled SOPA on Aug. 31, saying the address would include a significant announcement.
“Unya naa tay pasabog, watch out mo diha kanang mga badlongon diha,” she said.
She said the annual address would highlight her administration’s accomplishments during its first year in office, particularly in healthcare and other priority programs, adding that fitting all of them into a one-hour speech would be a challenge.
One of the highlights of this year’s anniversary celebration is the Tabo sa Kapitolyo Agri-Fisheries Trade Fair, which officially opened at Parking Lot 1 beside the Heritage Park inside the Capitol compound.
Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Roldan Saragena said the week-long trade fair features 68 exhibitors, including 52 participating local government units and 16 private exhibitors showcasing agricultural products, seafood, processed food and local delicacies from across Cebu.
Saragena said preparations were completed within two weeks through the cooperation of city and municipal agriculturists and local chief executives.
He encouraged the public to support the trade fair, saying purchases directly benefit farmers and fisherfolk by providing additional income and helping finance farm inputs for future planting seasons.
The trade fair runs daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with local government unit exhibitors participating free of charge, allowing producers to sell directly to consumers.
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