Batangas 442nd Foundation Day Anniversary: Heritage, Achievements, and Culture

Batangas marked its 442nd foundation day anniversary with a celebration held at the Regina Reyes-Mandanas Memorial Dreamzone in Capitol Site in Batangas City. The event drew the participation of prominent figures from Batangas, creating a vibrant atmosphere to commemorate the historic occasion.

The day kicked off with a meaningful mass at 8:00 am. Basilica Immaculada Chorale filled the air with the beautiful rendition of the Philippine National Anthem to start the ceremony. Vice Governor Mark Leviste took the stage to read the Foundation Day Declaration, accompanied by the unveiling of the new Provincial flag.

Adding a touch of entertainment, the Capitol All Stars, composed of Provincial Capitol employees, delivered a special performance that delighted the audience. The celebration also took on a more formal tone as Governor Hermilando Mandanas presented the official dossier for the enlistment of Verde Island Passage and Taal Volcano Protected Landscape as UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Miss Lindsay Barrientos, Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO, who emphasized the critical timing of the application, as submissions to UNESCO are allowed only once every 10 years.

Governor Mandanas then administered the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected officers of the Batangas History Society, reinforcing the commitment to preserving the history of the province. The cultural segment of the event featured an excerpt from Sarswela by Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, a National Artist for Literature and Dangal ng Batangan Awardee-Eminent Person, titled “Hibik at Himagsik nina Victoria Lactaw,” performed by a talented cast of actors and actresses.

An engaging audio-visual presentation showcased past Dangal ng Batangan awardees, setting the stage for the awarding ceremony. Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa received a Special Citation for Social Welfare and Development, and Dangal ng Batangan Awards for Culture and Arts were presented to outstanding individuals. John Peter Caringal was recognized for Dance, Architect Edwin Barrion for Architecture, Noriel Castillo for Visual Arts, and Lionel Nestor Guico for Music.

Dangal ng Batangas Awards for Public Service were given to Retired 2nd Lieutenant Lilian Marquez Magsino for Military Service and Dr. Alfred Buenafe for Medical Service. Another Military Service award was conferred upon General Gregorio Pio Punzalan Catapang Jr. The highest honor, Dangal ng Batangan: Eminent Person, was bestowed upon Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.

Tribute to the awardees was presented by the Basilica Immaculada Chorale with Vince Conrad and Jiah Dimaano, adding a touch of appreciation to the ceremony. The event concluded with a speech by Governor Hermilando Mandanas, expressing gratitude and optimism for the future. The entire ceremony was hosted by Ms. Steph Landicho-Ona.