TACLOBAN CITY – The City of Tacloban celebrated its 64^th Charter Day Anniversary on Monday June 12, 2017, simultaneous with the 119^th Philippine Independence Day Celebrations.  Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez led the twin celebrations which was highlighted by the traditional Flag Raising and Floral Offering Ceremonies.           

This year’s celebration with the theme: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin,” started with  a Thanksgiving Mass offered  at Sto. Nino Church; after which followed the Flag Raising Ceremony and Floral Offering on the statue of National Hero Jose Rizal at the Plaza Rizal with members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, City Hall employees Civic and Professional Organizations and Students.

Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez delivering her Charter Message Day which underscored the local government’s efforts in sustaining economic development.

Mayor Romualdez delivered her speech during the short program which underscored efforts of the local government to sustain its economic gains and create a sustainable environment for its constituents.

“Charter Day is a day to remember all the shoulders we stand on and acknowledge that we are all a part of the realization of a great vision for our people…it is but imperative to sustain our gains as a City and as a people.” said the Mayor.

Among the Projects mentioned by the Mayor which supports sustainable development are the  Clean Green and Resilient Tacloban campaign and the Tacloban Recovery and Rehabilitation Program (TRRP) which focuses on the creation of a new and resilient township away from natural hazards.

Both are centered on participatory governance which supports sustainable economic development with significant emphasis on environmental protection she stated

The ceremony was capped with the releasing of doves and the community singing of the patriotic song “Ako ay Pilipino.”

This year, Tacloban City is celebrating its 64^th Cityhood Anniversary having been proclaimed a Chartered City on June 20, 1952 by virtue of Republic Act No. 760 signed by then Pres. Elpidio Quirino, which took effect on June 12, 1953.  The late House Speaker Daniel Z. Romualdez  sponsored the law converting Tacloban into a Chartered City.

At present Tacloban, which is considered to be among the most competitive Cities in the Country is poised for more progress and development. After the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda, nearly four years ago, the lone  Highly Urbanized City in Region 8 is experiencing a reinvigorated  economic activity bolstered by an increase in revenue sources and the entry of new investors. -HENRY JAMES G. ROCA/CIO, Photos by Tim Canes/CMO