Despite the political season, Mabalacat City Mayor Mayor Crisostomo Garbo calls for unity as the city celebrates its biggest festival, Caragan Festival 2019.
“I want to assure our constituents that despite the political season, tuluy-tuloy ang mga events and activities sa city,” Garbo said during the festival’s press briefing on Friday.
Garbo also acknowledged the support of the Sanggunian Panlunsod led by Vice Mayor Christian Halili and the city councilors.
“I would like to give commendation to our Sanggunian Panlunsod headed by [Halili] for their support. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, kahit na may eleksyon na, dapat maipakita natin na tayo ay matured na bilang political leaders, maipakita natin na nagkikita tayo sa mga activities,” Garbo said.
Garbo said the Caragan Festival 2019 celebrates the Aeta culture–their way of living, contributions to society and history, which should be given due recognition.
Caragan Festival honors the fact that the officials, leaders and every true-blooded Mabalaqueno are not ashamed of acknowledging that this city was founded by the Aetas.
The city government has alloted P9 million for this year’s Caragan Festival.
About P5 million will be spent for the street dancing which will be participated in 51 schools. Subsidies for participating schools are P35,000 for elementary schools and P40,000 for high schools.
The other P4 million will be spent for Queen Mabalacat 2019, formerly known as Miss Mabalacat City.
In the Aliwan Fiesta last year, where the country’s top festivals gather and compete annually, Caragan Festival was adjudged as fifth best in the country. There were about 16 festivals from all over the archipelago that competed then.