MARIKINA City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo on Monday’s flag raising ceremony at the House of Representatives paid tribute to the resilience of Filipinos in the face of rising prices of goods and extreme hot weather.
“Hindi nagpapatinag ang mga Pilipino kailanman. In the face of challenges, from the rising prices of goods to the scorching heat of the sun, we endure, we adapt and most importantly, we flourish. Ang pinakamatibay na ebidensiya nito, ngayong buwan ng Mayo, sunod sunod ang mga fiesta ng mga Santacruzan o Flores de Mayo. Sa gitna ng mga mabibigat na problems, kinakaya pa natin maging maligaya. Ganyan ang Pilipino,” she said.
The senior vice chairperson of the committee on appropriations said fiestas or festivals spread joy, bring people closer to their loved ones, and connect them with their roots.
Quimbo also recognized the way these events are a good way to promote tourism and generate revenues, adding that “additional income always pave the way for more possible solutions to problems.”
She cited the lively Ati-Atihan in Aklan, the vibrant Sinulog Festival in Cebu and the colorful Panagbenga in Baguio City as among the many well-known local festivals in the country.
Quimbo encouraged organizers to rethink fiesta celebrations, as appropriate, to fit the changing times.
“Pag-isipan natin kung mahalaga ba ang mga values na iiwan ng mga fiesta lalong lalo na sa mga kabataan ganun din sa mga nakatatanda. Kung masyadong makaluma o hindi na napapanahon pwede na sigurong lumipat sa Version 2.0,” she said.
She shared how the yearly Shoe Festival in Marikina City gives local shoemakers the opportunity to showcase their quality products.
“Bawat taon, nabibigyan po ng pagkakataon ang mga sapatero upang ipagmalaki ang mga de kalidad at naggagandahan nilang mga sapatos. Sa kasamaang palad, marami na pong pagawaan ng sapatos ang nagsara dahil mas mura ang imported na sapatos mula sa ibang bansa tulad ng China. Hence, we recognize that celebrating our artisanship and artistry goes beyond this annual celebration,” Quimbo said, adding that transformative policies and proactive measures that truly empower local artisans are needed to fully support the shoe industry and connect them to the world market.
She called on everyone to participate in fiesta celebrations. “Fiestas cannot be counterproductive. Dapat magkasama lahat, dapat i-enjoy natin ito. The important thing is festivals promote the spirit of unity,” she said.
Monday’s flag raising ceremony was hosted by the Administrative Department headed by OIC-Deputy Secretary General Atty. Jennelyn Go-Sison and the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department led by Dr. Romulo Emmanuel Miral Jr.
The Administrative Department Choir and the Metro Manila Development Authority Drum and Bugle Corps also performed during the event.
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