In celebration of the 25th charter day, the City Government of Malaybalay spearheaded a program on March 22, 2023, at the Bukidnon Folk Arts Theater, Kaamulan Grounds, this city

The 22nd of March calls for a citywide special nonworking holiday to particularly look at how far it has gone since the Malaybalay City Charter Day proclamation. Since the year Malaybalay was proclaimed one of the cities in the Philippines, the city’s growth has been nonstop.

In its 25th year, the theme “SAKA ta Malaybalay” focuses on the resounding tourism sector of the city. It is an abbreviation for sports tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, and agri-ecotourism as a new tourism promotional branding of the city.

City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran joins the celebration along with City Vice Mayor Estilito Marabe, the city’s councilors, department and division heads, city employees, men in uniform, and barangay captains and its councils.

In his welcoming remarks,City Vice Mayor Mayor Marabe stressed that “a city should be competitive. Kay if dili kita magsugod, dili kita mo asenso. We will not wait for things to happen in Malaybalay; we should make things happen in Malaybalay. Dili na nato hulaton ang mga butang nga atong gi pangandoy, kinahanglan sugdan nato karon.”

Also, for this year’s celebration, the city conducted a series of activities that invited its private organizations, government sector, public schools, and generally any willing Malaybalaynons to participate.

In his State of the City Address, City Mayor Pabillaran highlighted the SHIELD development program accomplishments, plans, and various awards received by the city. “A flagship program that aligns with the development agenda of this administration for the people As I said during the inauguration, I cannot do it alone. I need the help of my fellow public servants. I need the help of all barangay officials. I need the help of God and my ancestors. Ang pinaka importante ako nangayog tabang sa mga, tao sa inyo. The people whom I served.”

“Malaybalay is what we have. We may have inherited it from our ancestors, but our ultimate responsibility is to make it a better place. A community we can be proud of and a more memorable place for the next generation. And I cannot do this alone. I have to share this vision.” he added.

A token of recognition was also given to the late municipal mayor and congressman, Hon. Reginaldo Tilanduca, who authored the cityhood and has contributed so much to making the city of Malaybalay we see today.

In her closing remarks, City Administrator Atty. Anna Marie R. Bergado delivers a short and concise message for everyone. “I became a living witness to the grandeur and beauty of Malaybalay. It may be corny to say pero na in love, gyud ko sa atong lugar. Sometimes we don’t realize it. Most of our tourists see what a treasure we have here in Malaybalay, and I know a lot of you share this feeling, this love, or this passion. And if we have loved, we will go a long way. Maka saka ta sa pinakataas nga bukid. We’ve come a long way since 25 years ago, and we will continue for the next 25 years to come. Saka nata Malaybalay.”

The city has a lot more space to improve, develop, and prosper.

This year, Charter Day is celebrated more simply as it celebrates the city’s progress while remembering the past, acknowledging the present, and armoring the future for all Malaybalaynons. (PR)