BARAGATAN 2018: The parade float of the municipality of Quezon in southern Palawan resembles the critically-endangered sea turtle or pawikan. (Photo courtesy of Roy Aurello Pagliawan)
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The Baragatan sa Palawan 2018 was officially opened in this city to mark the province’s 120th Civil Government foundation day on Friday.
Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez, Vice Governor Dennis Socrates, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan , and department heads of the provincial government led the opening of the annual convergence festival with a Eucharistic Mass held at the Pavilion of the Provincial Capitol early in the morning.
Alvarez’ speech during the opening centered on the alleviation of poverty in Palawan as it is his administration’s primary objective.
“Our objective is to really help the poor residents of the province. We have just completed our inventory of southern Palawan. We have 62,000 families, and also in the north, and they are the ones we want to give full attention in the remaining three years we have,” he said.
The governor said it is the next thing on his development agenda after constructing roads, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure.
Alvarez said his leadership will not put to waste the trust it was given by the national government that provides funds for what the province needs.
After the opening, a “Parada ng mga Palaweño” was held, featuring officials of the 23 municipalities, and the 10 Mutya ng Palawan candidates riding colorful floats.
The festival, which will last until June 23 at the Provincial Capitol, will also showcase the Caraenan sa Palawan food fair; agro-trade fair featuring Palawan-made food products, and Mutya ng Palawan 2018 search. (PNA)
