General Santos City is celebrating the 10th Blaan Day today, July 22. This annual event pays tribute to the Blaan tribe, one of the earliest documented indigenous communities in the city.
Since 2015, GenSan has observed Blaan Day as a special non-working holiday. The celebration aims to recognize and appreciate the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring traditions of the Blaan people. This year’s celebration was held at the Oval Gymnasium.
In her speech, GenSan City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao expressed her love and support for the Blaans.
“Sa araw na ito nais kong ipaabot ang aking pagsuporta sa inyong mga adhikain. Bilang namumuno sa ating lungsod, lalo ko pang pahalagahan ang inyong mga mabubuting adhikain para lalo pang umungat ang inyong tiwala at inyong buhay," she said
"Dahil hangad ko ang inyong kaunlaran, ako ang magiging boses ninyo at maging sandalan para lalo pang umunlad ang inyong buhay at mga susunod pang henerasyon,” she added.
The Mayor Pacquiao also accepted artworks from Philippine Navy Goodwill Ambassador for Culture and Arts, Kristine Soguilon-Lim. These artworks symbolize their strong commitment to GenSan and the Blaan community, as they collaborate on planned projects and continue to promote Blaan culture and art.
Blaan Day is organized by the Local Government Unit of GenSan, through the City Mayor’s Office-Integrated Cultural Communities Affairs Division. The event is closely coordinated with the Indigenous Political Mandatory Representative and Indigenous Political Structure.
An Executive Order was issued today, declaring the suspension of work in government offices within the city. Additionally, it encourages private entities to suspend work in solidarity with the Blaan Day celebration.
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