April 4, 2019 marks the last day of Manolo Fortich’s 102nd Charter Day Celebration. The municipality’s devotion was exhibited as the day’s activities were started with a mass. The followed by the flag hoisting. Numerous significant personalities were present. Our Philippine flag was hoisted by Hon. Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba (First District Representative of Bukidnon) and the recently crowned Laga Ta Manolo Fortich 2019 Ms. Katrina EisabelQuinlog. Then, the Manolo Fortich Insignia was hoisted by the father of the municipality, Hon. Clive Quino together with his first-lady Madame Rina Quino.
The flag hoisting ceremony was witnessed by the different representatives of various public and private institutions of Manolo Fortich –which would later on join the parade. The air was filled with the sound of percussion instruments and lyre as marching bands from Alae Central Elementary School, Manolo Fortich National High School, and Holy Cross High School played. However, the center of attraction of the parade was the Laga Ta Manolo Fortich float where the crowned ladies waved to the spectators of the parade.
The parade ended at the Manolo Fortich Municipal Gymnasium where the BanogBanog Festival Culmination Program was held. The program was officially opened by the municipal vice-mayor Hon. Miguel Demata. The Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines, Martin Andanar was present in the program. He talked on how it amazes him that Manolo Fortich managed to sustain success through different administrations. Andanar even joked that Manolo Fortich is arguably the new summer capital of the Philippines.
It was a flattering experience as a resident of Manolo Fortich to know that national personalities are taking notice of my home town’s achievements. The secretary was even more than confident that the municipality will become a city in the near future. If not, this recognition tells us that we are heading somewhere –to a prosperous future. Awards were then given to remarkable residents of Manolo Fortich and Barangays who have shown exemplary programs and projects.
Some of the awardees are Mark Jay V. Onahon (Talent Awardee) for the pride he brought to the municipality with his singing achievements, and Clarence Lyle M. Caasalan for his excellence in the baseball field. Onahon would then later impress his audience with his world-class vocal prowess.
The program ended leaving me reminiscent of what my hometown had gone through. It graces my heart to say that I am a resident of this municipality. A municipality that exhibits growth and success to its neighboring towns. Just like the Banog this festival celebrates, the motto “Soar high Manolo Fortich” wasn’t said for nothing at all.
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