• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Malacañang has declared Aug. 2, Friday, as special nonworking day in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, for its 27th Charter anniversary.
Proclamation 616, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, states that it is “but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Kabankalan be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration”.
The series of activities for the city’s 27th Charter and Udyakan Festival 2024 started July 26, and will culminate on Friday with a thanksgiving mass and a Charter Day parade with the Silliman University band in the morning.
In the afternoon, the Udyakan Festival arena dance competition, awarding of winners of the booth and exhibit contests, and closing ceremonies will be held, while the fireworks display and the Kabankalan Music Festival will cap off the festivities in the evening.
The Charter anniversary, on the theme “Kabankalan at 27: Pag-isa sa Gugma, Pagkabalaka kag Pag-asa”, also featured a booth and agro-trade fair, participated in by the city’s 32 barangays; a Sabor Kabankalanon delicacy cooking contest; sports and band contests; and the Bulawanon Awards, among others.
Recognized as top business taxpayers in single proprietorship during the Bulawanon Awards July 30 were HLJ Construction & Enterprises, Suntech Trading and Marketing, Liamz Hardware and Construction Supplies Trading, JCK Mercedes Mart, and Galleon Enterprises, a city press release said.
The top business taxpayers in the corporate category were Universal Robina Corporation-Sonedco, Citi Hardware, Gaisano City, SMGP Kabankalan Power Co. Ltd., and Sanford Marketing Corporation.
The top real property taxpayers for 2023 in the individual category were Alice Marie Zayco, Corazon Hoh Magbanua, Miguel Torres Jr., Rafael Bajado, and Policarpio Dojoles; while for the corporate category were the URC Sugar Corp., Shogun Mgt., San Lucas Inc., Citi Hardware Bacolod Inc., and Munchen Ventures Corp.
The recognition plaques were presented by Mayor Benjie Miranda, Vice Mayor Miguel Zayco, City Administrator Atty. Mac Lord Zafra, and City Treasurer Grace Marie Fernandez, the city said July 31.
Miranda said the city is thankful to the private sector, as he emphasized the critical role that stakeholders play in the development of Kabankalan.
“Recognizing our outstanding taxpayers is not just about acknowledging their contributions; it is about celebrating their partnership in our journey towards a prosperous and thriving Kabankalan, being the heart of Negros Island,” he stressed in a statement. | CGC
