CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – In celebration of the 452nd founding anniversary of the province of Pampanga, the Provincial Government officially kicked off with a thanksgiving mass and ceremony at the Capitol grounds on Monday, December 4, 2023.
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda personally invited the Kabalens to support and grace the various activities prepared by the provincial government for the weeklong celebration of the Pampanga Day.
In his speech, the governor also announced the additional bonuses to be given to Capitol employees.
“Dakal tana pung pegdaanan pero pauli na ning pamisasanmetung da reng Kapampangan, menatili tamung matatag at patuluy ya ing pag-unlad at pag-asensu na ning probinsya,” said Gov Delta.
Marking a historical event in the province, the first-ever festival organized and run by the province, aptly entitled Manyaman Festival, was launched.
On top of the festivities for the celebration, include the Food Expo at SM City Pampanga Event Center and various cook-off events at the Capitol Grounds.
The Best Arobu Competition will be held for Senior Highschool students endorsed by DepEd on Dec. 5, while, Best Kapampangan Dishes will be also be conducted for HRM and Culinary students endorsed by CHED and TESDA.
Moreover, home cooks from the 22 LGUs in Pampanga will compete for the title of “Best Home Kapampangan Heirloom and Iconic Dishes,” and famous Kapampangan chefs will hold cooking demonstrations on Dec. 6.
The event calendar concludes with Mutya ning Kapampangan (MNK) 2023, featuring 22 beautiful ladies representing the rich culture of their hometowns and cities on Dec. 10 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, and the prestigious Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (MOKA) on Dec. 11 at the Kingsborough International Convention Center.
As night fell, the Provincial Capitol Grounds shone brighter with colorful Pampanga parols made by local lantern makers during the Lighting Ceremony of Christmas Decorations. Kapampangan icons Arti Sta. Rita and Ocampo’s Betis Band 46 performed yuletide themes and hymns during the event.