• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Victorias City is gearing up for a much bigger 26th Kadalag-an Festival next month, with an array of sporting and cultural events, all for the enjoyment of Victoriahanons and visitors.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said in a press conference this afternoon, Feb. 28, that they will “try to eclipse” last year’s “biggest celebration, yet”, adding that the city invested a lot of time and effort and prepare activities that Victoriahanons can look forward to.
“This is just once a year. Nami man makatipon ang mga tawo to celebrate and to be happy, this festival will bring the community together…will build camaraderie,” the mayor said.
The pre-Kadalag-an sports activities will be from March 14 to 17, highlighted by the expected first time visit to Victorias of Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on March 14, for the inauguration of the city’s Command and Operations Center.
The Charter Day celebration is on March 21, and the day will kick off with a thanksgiving mass, followed by a civic-military parade, and the opening ceremony. The mass wedding will also be held this day, while showbiz and band personalities will entertain revelers.
The Kadalag-an Queen coronation night is on March 22 at the city coliseum, and other sports and music events, among others, will continue until March 24.
Benitez signed Feb. 28 the memorandum of agreement with Asenso Sidlak Foundation Inc., represented by Serafin Plotria Jr., as the partner of the city in the planning, organizing, and conduct of the festival, with the Sidlak Victorias Global City as main festival venue.
Under the MOA, the services of the foundation will be pro bono. It shall, among others, obtain sponsor participation, recommend and implement promotions and advertisements, as well as promotional schedules and materials, and submit liquidation and fund utilization reports not later than 30 days after the end of the festival.
“The source of funds for the Festival shall be taken from the sponsors that the Foundation may obtain,” the MOA states, adding the City may augment funding subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations.
“There shall be no transfer of funds from the City to the Foundation. All funds for the Festival shall be duly accounted for, and any government funds must be duly accounted and liquidated with any unused public funds returned or refunded pursuant to applicable laws,” it added.
Benitez said this year’s Kadalag-an budget is three to five million-peso higher than in 2023. | CGC
