A star-studded festivity marked Friday’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Provincial Capitol.
Senators Imee Marcos, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Tolentino, Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, and Mark Villar were the event’s special guests and speakers, said Provincial Tourism Executive Director Woodrow Maquiling Jr.
The arrival of the Senators and other guests was delayed as the plane they took from Manila had to make several attempts to land at the Dumaguete-Sibulan airport.
With strong tail winds, the plane could not land, and had to wait in Cebu for the weather to improve.
Among the dignitaries who drove over for the occasion from Bacolod City was Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson. He came with several of his provincial officials.
The Negros Occidental Governor gave a message of support for the leadership of Negros Oriental.
The two provinces, including the Province of Siquijor, are waiting for the passage of the law creating the Negros Island Region.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the installation of the commemorative marker at the Capitol to mark the jubilee year, led by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria led ceremonies on Friday afternoon at the Capitol grounds, where he officially broke ground for the multi-million peso Government Center.
Filipina songbird Kuh Ledesma also sang a few songs, highlighted by her signature songs Dito Ba? and Ako ay Pilipino.
Other activities to celebrate the centennial were the Commemorative Centennial Pyro-Musical Competition, and a Best Photo and SDE (Same-Day Edit) Video Contest. (AP)
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Photo Caption: Built in 1924, the Provincial Capitol of Negros Oriental, designed by American architect Daniel Burnham, turns 100 years old this year which was celebrated with fireworks, a musical concert and the groundbreaking for a new Capitol building. (Photo by Alex Pal)
