Cadiz, now a first-class component city in northern Negros Occidental, continues to roar to greatness as it turned 58 years old this year.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. described this year’s anniversary not merely as a commemoration of Cadiz’s cityhood, but rather as an embodiment of his administration’s guiding principle—a culture of compassion and a mindset for excellence.
He emphasized that this very foundation underpins how city personnel and community partners carry out public service for every Cadizeño.
Noting that governance works when citizens share responsibility, Escalante never rests in thinking what is always “best for Cadiz”.
“The success of our city does not depend only on your officials, but on all of us. With correct planning, perfect execution, and love for our work, we can achieve more,” the mayor stressed.
Escalante acknowledged then congressman Armando Gustilo for authoring Republic Act No. 4894 that converted the then municipality of Cadiz into a component city in northern Negros Occidental.
“We are always grateful to the men and women, who made Cadiz great then and now,” he stressed.
In honoring them, the city government always does its best to celebrate its charter anniversary with essence.
It wants Cadizeños to enjoy as they celebrate Cadiz’s birth as a component city.
Escalante also wants everyone to reflect on how Cadiz struggled to become great now at 58, and even beyond.
Evidence of this was the recently held 58th Charter anniversary, from June 27 to July 7, that was awash with activities, including a series of sports, cultural, livelihood, and other events that involved different sectors of the community.
The celebration opened with the Kadiwa ng Pangulo trade fair from June 26 to July 3 at the city grandstand, where farmers, cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) offered agricultural products, processed goods, and other merchandise.
Sports activities included the ABC Sasaba inter-barangay volleyball tournament, which gathered barangay teams for multiple matches; the friendly tennis tournament between the Valencia Tennis Association and the Cadiz Tennis Club; and the Mayor Salvador G. Escalante Jr. Inter-City Kali-Arnis Tournament, where participants from the province and across the region demonstrated Filipino martial arts skills through sparring bouts and exhibitions.
On June 29, the K-pop inspired Costume Fun Run featured runners in themed Korean pop attire along a designated route, while the Invitational Open Pure Breed Fun Match Dog Show brought together dog owners showcasing various breeds of furbabies.
On June 30, the city opened JR Ledesma’s solo art exhibit, entitled “Traces of Memory”, which presented artworks depicting the historical and cultural past of Cadiz. The collection reflected the city’s early development and its heritage through narrative paintings.
On July 1, the city held a ceremonial flag and banner-raising at Crossing Cadiz, followed by a wreath-laying at Cadiz City Hall 1.
The ceremony acknowledged the role of various civic leaders, including the late Gustilo, whose authorship of RA 4894 made Cadiz’s cityhood possible in 1967.
A Sasabah Night took place later that evening at the Cadiz Arena, featuring presentations and fellowship of community leaders and staff.
The province-wide open theme painting competition took place on July 2, drawing artists from across Negros Occidental. Entries explored varied themes and were displayed for public viewing.
On July 3, the Cadiz City E-Sports Cup: MLBB Tournament drew gaming teams to compete in Mobile Legends, while the Single-Use Plastic Alternative Packaging launching by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office at the public market introduced vendors to reusable packaging while buying goods, making the city sustain its environmental initiatives and efforts.
Meanwhile, the Jobs Fair 2025 conducted by the Public Employment Service Office at Balay Cadiznon connected jobseekers with companies and recruitment agencies.
That evening, the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) dinner was held to recognize the achievements of stakeholders and appreciate their hard work and commitment to public service and good governance.
The Charter Day celebration on July 4 kicked off with a mass and ceremonial oathtaking at the Cadiz Arena, followed by a float parade and contest, where floats from the 22 barangays, government agencies, schools, and civic groups paraded along major streets of the city.
That evening, a street party and fireworks display at the reclamation area featured Elias J TV and his band, which brought an overwhelming crowd coming from the city and nearby localities, marking it as the most crowded of Elias’ performances in Negros Occidental, based on city and organizer estimates.
Other activities on July 5 and 6 included the 1st Charter swim age-group motivational swimfest at Laura Seafront Resort, the Jaguar Badminton Academy’s 25th anniversary badminton tournament, and the regional taekwondo championship 2025.
On July 7 and 8, a festival dance workshop at Balay Cadiznon offered dance training and cultural sessions.
On July 26, Cadiz held the 58th Charter Anniversary Working Committees’ Appreciation Day at Santa Cruz Beach Resort, a fellowship event honoring the committees responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing the spread of anniversary events.
The program included the “Elias J TV Showdown Spotlight”, where committees presented “Moves Like Elias” routines.
Escalante thanked all working committees, city employees, and volunteers, who contributed to the successful holding of the 58th Charter celebration. | Bilis Cadiz photos
