People’s support cited at Biñan history, cityhood celebration
MAYOR Arman Dimaguila Jr. of Biñan, Laguna thanked the support and cooperation of the Biñanenses that made the city a recipient of numerous awards.
The mayor made the recognition as the local government unit officially opened on Thursday the three-day annual celebration of the Araw ng Biñan at the city plaza, with a grand parade participated in by local officials and employees, schools, youth organizations, socio-civic groups, and business establishments.
“Biñan is a rich city because of the Biñanenses. They are a very cooperative people. For as long as they know that we, their local government officials, are doing everything for the benefit of Biñan City, we can count on their support,” said Dimaguila.
“We saw this during the pandemic. The LGU was very successful because the Biñanenses trusted and supported us. We were also not blind about our shortcomings and we did our best to make up for this and address all their concerns. We are also committed to the development of our city,” he added.
Biñan was able to receive several awards and accolades in recognition of the sustained efforts of its city leaders, particularly Dimaguila Jr., Vice Mayor Angelo “Gel” B. Alonte and Biñan Rep. Marlyn “Len” B. Alonte-Naguiat, to promote the city as a center of trading and commerce in Southern Tagalog.
Dimaguila also expressed elation as Biñan was named one of the outstanding heritage tourism destinations.
The revival of the Biñan Heritage District is one of the seven major programs under Balik-Biñan, a project named one of the Ten Outstanding Local Governance Programs in the 2022 Galing Pook Awards.
One of the prominent buildings in the district is the Historic Alberto Mansion – the ancestral home of Dr. Jose Rizal’s mother, Teodora Alonso.
Dimaguila said they did not spend on Christmas displays last December as it was focused on renovating the plaza, nestled at the center of the city’s historical district.
“Kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Biñan ay ginugunita natin ngayong araw ang ika-13 Anibersaryo ng ating Cityhood Charter. Napakasayang balikan ang ating mga pinagdaanan bilang nagkakaisang lungsod. Ang dating pinakamayamang bayan sa buong Pilipinas ay isa na ngayong ganap na lungsod. Kinikilala na rin tayo ngayon bilang “Trading and Commerce Center of the South” at isa sa mga exciting destinations sa bansa.,” Dumaguila said.
“Marami pong bayan ang nagpatayo ng magagarang buildings, mga istruktura na talagang mga kilalang arkitekto pa ang gumawa. Pero sabi nga ni BJ, isang bagay ang hindi nila kayang gawin – ‘yun ay bigyan ng kaluluwa ang bawat building na ginagawa nila,” he added, referring to Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office head Bryan Jayson Borja.
On Feb. 2, 2010, under Republic Act 9740, Biñan became a component city after its voters accepted the ratification in a plebiscite. It became the fourth city in the province of Laguna and 139th in the Philippines.
