INQUIRER FILES
MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga 鈥� Work in the public and private sectors, as well as classes at all levels, will be suspended on Wednesday, Dec. 11, in Pampanga province in time for the celebration of the 453rd Aldo ning Kapampangan (Pampanga Day).
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda reminded residents of Presidential Proclamation No. 2226, issued by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos on July 27, 1982, which declared Dec. 11 as a public holiday in the province.
鈥淭here鈥檚 no work and no classes on Wednesday. Dec. 11 is a public holiday that gives us the chance to celebrate Pampanga Day,鈥� Pineda announced.
The late President Marcos Sr. originally issued Proclamation No. 1702 on Jan. 11, 1978, declaring Feb. 13 as Pampanga Day. This date commemorated the establishment of the first civil form of provincial government in the Philippines, which took place in Bacolor, Pampanga, on Feb. 13, 1901, with Ceferino Joven as governor.
However, four years later, Marcos signed Proclamation No. 2226, which superseded the earlier proclamation. The new declaration recognized Dec. 11, 1571, when the Spanish authorities officially inaugurated Pampanga as the first province of Luzon.
Pampanga Day is now celebrated annually to honor the province鈥檚 rich cultural and historical heritage.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in activities commemorating the event and reflect on the province鈥檚 significant contributions to the nation鈥檚 history. INQ