Naga to launch 'Naga River Day'

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By ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY

NAGA CITY -- City Mayor John Bongat, in an aggressive move to encourage more stakeholders to give their unequivocal support to the Naga River Revitalization Project will be launching the Wish Upon my River on the first ever Naga River Day celebration come March 8.

To highlight the said celebration which is also dubbed “Aldaw kan Salog kan Buhay” or simply the Naga River Day, Bongat issued Proclamation 2014-002 proclaiming the 8th day of March and every second Saturday of March for the succeeding years or every year thereafter as Naga River Day.

“This effort will be a multi-faceted approach where we will enjoin our partner agencies from both the government and private sector to support our endeavor. We now termed this as Integrated Naga River Revitalization Project or iNRRP to emphasize that the project cut across every important facets of development,” Bongat stated.

Bongat added that under the said project, the city government will focus on four(4) important aspects as they envision a revitalized Naga River: the preservation of our heritage, caring for the environment, development of Naga City River as tourist attraction and towards the realization of a disaster-resilient community.

“We want to create public awareness in preserving the historic Naga River, and to encourage better stewardship of the environment in general. The event will also provide an opportunity for Nagueňos and Bicolanos to honor and commemorate the important role of the storied Naga River and inspire people especially the young to pursue the path of bringing back its beauty and life,” Bongat said.

In line with the upcoming big event for the Naga River, Bongat presented before the members of the local media during a brief press conference this morning, a rundown of activities that will cap the day-long activity on March 8.

To start off the activity is a scheduled Regatta sa Salog, after which a ceremonial boat ride will immediately follow. The river route would be from the Magsaysay wharf to the Naga City Peoples Mall (NCPM) wharf. There will also be a groundbreaking ceremony for Naga River Revetment projects. The fund to be used for this will be coming from the efforts of 3rd District Congresswoman Leni G. Robredo. The project is located along the river banks.

Archbishop Rolando Octavus Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, together with ABS CBN Executive Gina Lopez will join Bongat, First Lady Farah Bongat and members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod headed by City Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion in the blessing and ribbon-cutting of the wharf at the Naga City People’s Hall.

Stakeholders will also witness the unveiling of the Danlugan Pillars, blessing of the image of Our Lady of Peňafrancia and ribbon cutting of the Calle del Rio, which will cover the Tabuco bridge until Panganiban. A resolution will be passed to officially name the said street as Calle del Rio.

After a short programme in the afternoon at Danlugan ni Ina, the opening of the Night market will follow along the General Luna extension. This will be followed by Banquete y Concierto at the Calle del Rio which will be spearheaded by the Naga City Bar Owner’s Association. The city also prepared pre-event activities which include Children’s Workshop on February 17 where participants will be asked to write their wishes on a tarpaulin. A slogan and poster making contest is also slated on February 27. The said materials will be placed and displayed in the 2 wharfs along the Naga River.