Dasmariñas City all set for 6th ‘Paru-Paro’ Festival

DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite -- This city is slated to observe its annual butterfly-inspired “Paru-Paro” festival on Nov. 26 with city folks and participants donning colorful butterfly costumes and revelry motifs.

Mayor Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr. is expected to lead city officials, students and multi-sectoral groups in the annual celebration of the city’s official festival, created by the virtue of City Council Resolution No. 069-s-2011 and Special Ordinance 02-s-2011 initiated by his predecessor, City Mayor Jennifer Austria Barzaga.

In an interview, City Administrator Aisa Sango said the festival reflects the city’s transformation from a former small village of Imus City and its separation as a full-fledged progressive city and Cavite’s “university center” and one of the province’s vital hubs dotted with various services, commerce, trade and industries.

Sango added that Sunday’s main highlight is the 3 p.m. grand parade participated in by city officials, sectors and the 36 groups of elementary and secondary school division contingents.

The city parade route covers Gov. Mangubat Road, General Aguinaldo Highway and traverses Daños Street to P. Posadas and converge at the city hall.

Prizes at stake for the participating parade contingents of 40 to 50 each group are: PHP75,000 cash for the champion; PHP50,000 -- 2nd place; and PHP 25,000 -- 3rd place while a consolation prize of PHP 10,000 each for non-winners. The “Best in Costume” will receive PHP 10,000 cash prize.

Sango added that this year’s celebration will not feature the usual parade of floats due to various road rehabilitation works which may stall heavy traffic.

The city administrator also said  that the city’s Pagamutan is now in full operation and the city mayor wishes to prioritize fund allocation for various public health/service programs, which is also a reason to celebrate.

She also disclosed the city’s plan to open its own public university soon. (PNA)

US Three-Star General lauds WestMinCom chief during his visit in Zamboanga City

Zamboanga City - In a courtesy call to Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the commander of the WestMinCom, in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City last Sunday (November 19), 

Lieutenant General David H Berger USMC, the commander of the Marine Forces in the Pacific (MARFORPAC), vowed to work with the AFP in terms of enhancing technical capability and sharing of skills through training.

Arriving at 10:30 inside the Western Mindanao Command headquarters, 3-star General Berger was accompanied by some of the top staff officers from his command.

After exchanging pleasantries, LtGen Berger said the U.S. troops have heard of the accomplishments of the WestMinCom under Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr., and lauded the WestMinCom Chief for his commendable leadership as the Joint Task Forces continue to intensify the conduct of combat operations against threat groups within its joint area of operations.

He further specified the commendable successful campaign of the command against the terrorists in Marawi City.

Discussed by two Generals were some successful tactics and innovations practiced and applied during the campaign in Marawi.

Further discussed were the assessment of the support extended by the U.S. troops in the command and the possible ways to broaden efforts between the WestMinCom and U.S. troops.

The MARFORPAC commander said," It is important that we work closely with your troops and augment your capability in some aspects as we have also worked with other environments threatened by terrorism all over the world."

In his response, the WestMinCom Chief said,”We always welcome all kinds of support and help extended especially in training and technical capability. As long as it is for the betterment of our soldiers and their skills, it is a welcome news.” (posted by Becky D. de Asis- online editor)