"Buhay ang nakaraan, sumasalubong sa hinaharap."
This mantra of the local government of Biñan City, Laguna – about preserving its rich cultural and historical heritage for future generations – has served it well in its goal to become one of the "powerhouses" in commerce, industry and tourism in Laguna province.
And this 2024, Biñanenses and visitors alike will once again witness a grand showcase of the city's history and culture with the "Araw ng Biñan," scheduled from February 2 to 4.
The three-day activities commemorate three important moments in Biñan City's history: the 14th anniversary of its cityhood; the 277th anniversary of its founding; and the 79th anniversary of Biñan's liberation from Japanese invasion during World War II.
"Ang celebration po ng Araw ng Biñan is anchored on paano po natin maitatatak sa mga kaisipan ng bawat Biñanense ang halaga ng pagtanaw sa ating mga historical milestone dito sa lungsod," Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office (BCHATO) head BJ Borja explained in a message to OpinYon Laguna.
"Importante ring inu-underscore ng celebration ang kahalagahan ng pagtanaw sa nakaraan at paggamit sa nakaraan para sa kasalukuyan at kapag nalaman mo gamit ng nakaraan sa kasalukuyan kung saan ka tutungo sa hinaharap," he added.
Lineup of activities
On February 2, Friday, the festivities will kick off with a "Grand People's Parade" at the Plaza Rizal, followed by a Thanksgiving Mass at the San Isidro de Labrador Parish Church; a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Alberto Mansion, where the cities' top libraries and cultural institutions will be honored; and a "Cultural Night" at the Plaza Rizal.
February 3, Liberation Day, will focus on the city's rich history not only with a "Pasasalamat" or Thanksgiving for Biñanense veterans, but also with the much-anticipated free screening of the top-billed Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry "Gomburza" at the Southwoods Mall, sponsored by Representative Len Alonte and the Akay ni SOL Party-list.
On February 4, the commemoration of the city's founding anniversary, the emphasis will be on people's welfare and development with a job fair, an INB Clean-Up Drive and Tree-Planting Activity, health missions, and "Friendship Games" spearheaded by various local government agencies.
Also on special focus is the large-scale infrastructure projects of the city government, marked by the inauguration of the PUP-Biñan College of Information Technology and Engineering Campus (the former AMA School campus in Barangay Canlalay that was acquired by the LGU) on February 2 and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dalampasigan Park in Barangay Malaban on February 4.
"The most important resource of the City of Biñan is its human resource, ang mga tao nito, ang mga magigiting na Biñanense na patuloy lumalaban sa buhay, very resilient, and very proud of their heritage," Borja added.
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