Jan. 10 special nonworking day in Koronadal, South Cotabato

January 10, Tuesday, will be a special nonworking day in Koronadal City in South Cotabato, Malacañang said Saturday.

 

A Palace news release said President Benigno Aquino III issued the declaration so the city can mark its 72nd foundation Day and the 12th Hinugyaw Festival.

 

Through Proclamation No. 304 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. last January 2, Aquino declared Jan. 10 a special non-working day in the city to give the people the opportunity to celebrate the festival, which is celebrated every year to pay homage to the city's first settlers.

 

Before World War II, people from Luzon and the Visayas settled in the place under the auspices of the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA). Koronadal became a component city of South Cotabato by virtue of Republic Act 8803 on October 8, 2000.

 

Once populated by members of the B’laan and Maguindanao tribes, Koronadal City, also known as Marbel, is now the capital of South Cotabato province. 

 

January 10 is the official date for the Municipal town fiesta commemorating the foundation of Marbel Settlement District of the National Land Settlement, according to the Municipal Council Resolution No. 32, Series of 1948.

 

With the theme, "Building People, Building Character, Building Progress, the weeklong Hinugyaw Festival 2012 celebration runs from January 6 to January 10.

 

The events leading up to the closing day include a Veteran's Exhibit at the New City Hall Lobby, a Settler's Night/Handurawan to be held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium, a fun run, golf tournament, beauty pageant, tree growing, drumline competition and farmers’ festival.

 

The festival ends with a fireworks display at 10 p.m. on January 10.

 

Meanwhile, the Koronadal City PNP is on heightened alert from December 1, 2011 to January 15, 2012, according to a report in the Official Newsletter of the City Government of Koronadal. –CGL/KG, GMA News