It was a triple celebration in Toledo City on June 12 as the city marked the country’s 126th Independence Day; staged the Hinulawan Festival in honor of its patron saint, St. John of Sahagun; and received the announcement of a P5.5 million aid from the Cebu Provincial Government.
Gov. Gwen Garcia made the announcement that the LGU will receive P3 million as subsidy for its socio-cultural expenses; while each of the five contingents from the clustered barangays will receive P500,000 in financial assistance.
“Hangyoon ko kamo, Toledonhon, ayaw pakyasa kining talagsaong higayon. You are already a multi-awarded city in the entire Philippines. Nailhan na kamo nga karon nag-una, matuod gayud nahimong sumbanan sa tibuok probinsiya. Ayaw og balik niadtong higayon nga nagkabuak-buak,” Gov. Garcia said in her speech.
“Tonight, you have presented an extravaganza of talent, creativity, and most of all, you have exhibited the reason why we call it Hinulawan Festival,” she added.
For her part, Toledo City Mayor Marjorie Perales thanked Gov. Gwen for her unwavering support to the city, especially in establishing programs for the youth like the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, as she considers the youth truly their “hinaguang bulawan”.
“Usa na kini ang atong mga kabatan-onan, nakita ninyo karong gabhiona, ang garbo sa Syudad sa Toledo,” Mayor Perales said.
Hinulawan Festival is a religious celebration that occurs every year on the 12th of June as a thanksgiving to the city’s patron saint, John of Sahagun.
Hinulawan is a coined term from the Cebuano words “hinaguan,” meaning “hard-earned,” and “bulawan,” meaning “gold.” This also refers to the city’s Hinulawan River where people used to pan for gold.
The city is the mining capital of Cebu with the largest mining area of 1,674 hectares.
Also joining the festivities were Board Member (BM) Atty. John Ismael Borgonia, BM Victoria Corominas-Toribio, and BM Kuya Nick Pepito, Vice Mayor Jay Sigue, and members of the city council. | BJR