Himamaylan Mayor Raymund Tongson reminded city and barangay officials, along with local government unit officers, of their responsibilities to the people of Himamaylan as the southern Negros city kicked off its 4th Himaya Festival on Easter Sunday, according to a press release from Himamaylan PIO.
“Let us continue what we have started,” appealed Tongon during his message after the Holy Mass held at the city hall ground floor, which signaled the beginning of Himamaylan’s week-long festivities.
Tongson thanked the officials, officers, and employees who have been instrumental in the city’s national, regional, and provincial accolades such as the 2023 Seal for Good Local Governance (SGLG), seal of the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) award, Sustainability 2 Award from the 2023 Abanse Negrense Good Environmental Governance Awards, among others.
“Recently, Himamaylan City was hailed the number one child-friendly LGU in the Philippines,” said Tongson.
“If we are reminded that we are just one people of Himamaylan, we can achieve all of our dreams and aspirations, and conquer any future challenges,” he said.
Himamaylan is not only fortunate to celebrate the start of the Himaya Festival and its 23rd charter anniversary, the mayor said, but “we are especially blessed because it’s Easter Sunday.”
WEEK-LONG FESTIVITIES
An elated Tongson shared that festival-goers can look forward to an extra night of festival highlights.
“From the accustomed two nights of highlights, we have added another night so our fellow Himamaylanons and visitors can enjoy the festivities in the city,” he said.
The LGU also recognized on Sunday its outstanding Himamaylanons, during the Himaya Awards at the city hall.
The city honored 47 special awardees, top 5 real property tax payers, top 5 corporate tax payers, 4 licensure exams topnotchers, and 3 national champions from various athletic and dance sports meets.
Today, Himamaylan products will be showcased in the opening of the Agri Trade Fair at the Brgy, I bridge, followed by a cooking contest using local products at 2 p.m., and cultural show at 6 p.m.
The battle for third of the Inter-TODA Basketball tournament is set at the Brgy. I gym at 7 p.m.
Persons with disabilities are set to compete in the 2nd MRT Invitational Sitting Volleyball at the Brgy. I gym, tomorrow, while the public gets a first look at the 19 candidates of Himaya Queen during the pre-pageant at the city hall grounds at 6 p.m.
The Job Fair Plus, which opens at 8 a.m. on April 3 at the city hall lobby, will offer employment opportunities for jobseekers as well as free legal counseling and a Zumba session.
Himamaylan farmers affected by the dry spell will also receive checks from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation at the Agri Trade Fair site at 1 p.m.
On the same day at the Brgy. 1 gym, pregnant women are invited to join the Buntis Day with caravan and the #ThroughTheYears Bishop concert.
The DepEd Day is set on April 4, at the Brgy. I gym, with an Inter-barangay Basketball tournament battle for third set on the same day. The Farmer’s Forum at the Agri Trade Fair site starts at 1 p.m.
At the city hall grounds, the Shake & Sweat Fitness Party, Himamaylan’s Invitational Zumbavaganza will start at 4 p.m.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
The day one of the festival highlights on April 5 will start with the Civic Action (CIVAC) free medical mission at Himamaylan National High School.
The City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Sectoral Day will also be held at the Brgy. I gym in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Agri Trade Fair Cooperative activity will begin at 1 p.m. at Brgy. I bridge.
At 6 p.m., the new Himaya Queen will be crowned at the Brgy. I gym, marking the start of the three-day festival highlights.
The first day of the highlights continues with OPM legend Parokya ni Edgar for the #RakrakanSaMaylan starting 10 p.m. at the Himamaylan NHS field. An after party will cap-off Friday with DJ AE Nathalie.
The festival highlights on April 6, begins early with Bark Day to celebrate Himamaylan City’s “best friends”, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brgy. I gym, while the Inter-barangay Basketball championship game will commence at 6 p.m.
In Hacienda Antipolo, an Invitational Motocross tournament will begin at 8 a.m., while the winners of the Agri Trade Fair will be awarded at the Brgy. I bridge at 10 a.m.
Meanwhile, the Talentadong Himamaylanon Grand Finals will kick off at 7:30 p.m. with the venue to be announced later this week.
This will be followed by the Himamaylan Pyrotechnic Party and HimaMyVibe Season 2: P-Pop Edition, with venues also to be announced this week.
On April 7, the Himaya Festival Street and Arena Dance Competition begins on the streets of Brgy. I and will culminate at Himamaylan NHS grounds from 1 p.m.
Himaya 2024 Encore is set to wrap up the festivities featuring hitmaker Moira, heartthrob Enrique Gil and DJ Japor live at the Himamaylan NHS football field.*
