TARLAC CITY — Mayantoc town took center stage Tuesday as it was among the chosen local government units (LGUs) in the country for the simultaneous landmark lighting ceremony in line with the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Mayor Iluminado Pobre Jr., Multi-media specialist Renato Durian who represented 1st district congressman Charlie Cojuangco, Philippine Information Agency Assistant Regional Director Carlo Lorenzo Datu, and Department of the Interior and Local Government Tarlac Provincial Director Belina Herman led the lighting at Don Francisco Pascual Santos Memorial Auditorium.
The six-foot lantern is adorned with anahaw and sampaguita designs encircling the ASEAN logo.
In his message, Pobre took pride in the occasion saying that Mayantoc is blessed as it was chosen from among a multitude of cities and municipalities in the country.
For his part, Durian encouraged the townspeople to continue showcasing their talent and culture.
“With this symbolic lighting (of the ASEAN lantern), the people’s unity should likewise be ignited,” he stressed.
ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council chose Mayantoc as one of the landmarks for it served as the last stronghold of General Francisco Macabulos during the Filipino-American war.
Five other LGUs in Central Luzon participated in the activity namely Baler in Aurora; Science City of Munoz in Nueva Ecija; City of San Fernando in Pampanga; Angeles City; and Iba in Zambales. (CLJD-PIA 3)