Datu Piang town marks 83rd Founding Anniversary

ASSISTIVE DEVICES --- Mayor Victor T. Samama (center) of Datu Piang distributes wheelchairs as anniversary gifts for needy senior citizens and persons with disability. The devices are provisions for the target sectors programmed by the Maguindanao provincial government under Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu. With him is Sultan Kudarat Mayor Shameem Mastura (2nd from right), and  Executive Assistant V Harris Samal (left) who represented the provincial governor. (Anne Acosta)

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao --- This historic town celebrated its 83rd Foundation Anniversary last November 25 with week-long activities participated in, witnessed, and enjoyed by the local populace.

In line with the celebration, Mayor Victor T. Samama said the local government featured a merry-making “Kulintang Festival” which showcased various activities such as Qur’anic Reading exhibition, Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Day, banca race, palo sebo, parlor games, pasiklaban, Kanduli, Kulintang Ensemble exhibition, Madrasah activities, drum and lyre competition, Children’s Congress, blocking, street dancing competition, float design competition, and showdown competition.

The culmination program was held at the municipal covered court attended by the municipal officials,  town residents, and guests.

“We are more than thankful for the support of our various partners in the progress and development of our humble town. Maraming salamat higit sa lahat sa ating mamamayan sa walang sawa nilang suporta sa ating administrasyon. Hindi po magiging matagumpay ang ating selebrasyon kung hindi dahil sa pagtutulungan ng bawat isa,” Samama stressed.

Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem B. Mastura was also present during the culmination program, where he represented Senator Bong Go.

Mayor Mastura relayed Senator Go’s gesture of assistance to the town’s administration in terms of facilitating and expediting development intervention that could provide impact to the populace.

Go, through Mastura, said his office could help channel development assistance as qualified for the benefit of the town folks. The senator got a big edge of vote from the municipality of Datu Piang.

“I enjoin everyone in the celebration of your 83rd Founding Celebration. Congratulations Mayor Victor and to all town officials and the people of Datu Piang. Mahal ko ang mga Bangsamoro. Naipasa na natin ang Malasakit Law, at ito ay nasa third and final reading na sa Senado. Malaking tulong po kung mas marami pang lugar sa bansa ang magkakaroon ng Malasakit Center,” as he relayed the message of Senator Go.

In his message, Vice-Mayor Nasser Abpi expressed his sincerest gratitude to all contributors on the success of the week-long festivity.

 “This is our day. Alay po natin ang selebrasyong ito para sa minamahal nating mamamayan,” Abpi said. 

As part of the celebration, Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu also distributed wheelchairs to the elders.

The  “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio” was also held during the culmination program participated by the Department of Health- central office, Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in muslim Mindanao headed by Dr. Zul Abas, World Health Organization (WHO), Integrated Provincial Health office - Maguindanao headed by Dra. Elizabeth Samama, Health Office for Mindanao (HOM), UNICEF, provincial government of Maguindanao, Provincial Board members, and other elected public officials.  (ANALISA P. ESPAÑOLA / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)