Malacañang has declared July 1 as a special non-working day in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental to celebrate its 60th Charter Anniversary.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of San Carlos be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” according to Proclamation No. 972 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on June 29 upon the authority of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The celebration must be “subject to community quarantine, social distancing and other public health measures,” it added.

The activities on Wednesday will be highlighted by the State of the City Address of Mayor Renato Gustilo, who will reflect on the recent accomplishments and lay down the priorities of the city in the coming years.

At 5 p.m., the mayor’s address will be streamed live on Facebook through the San Carlos City 60th Charter Day and San Carlos City, Neg.Occ. -LGU Information Page.

Before that, the 60th Charter Day Thanksgiving Mass will be held at 4 p.m.

Themed “San Carlos City: Resilient at 60 and Beyond”, this year’s Charter anniversary celebration of the northern Negros city featured limited number of events such as online contests dubbed “Pa-Indigay sa Talento” Voice Battle Edition and Dance Competition, and Tiktok Drama Challenge.

Other activities include the 10th Localized Environment Week Celebration, table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton and swimming competitions and tree-planting activity.

Event organizers invited city residents to “glam up” their Facebook profile pictures by using the frame representing and promoting San Carlos City’s 60th Charter Day.

“Facebook plays a big role in entertaining us in the new normal. Through this platform, we also want to embody a sense of unity amongst San Carloseños,” they said.

San Carlos City, the hometown of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, was formally organized on July 1, 1960, based on Proclamation No. 685 signed by then-President Carlos P. Garcia.

Republic Act 2643, approved on June 18, 1960, created the City of San Carlos and its Section 90 provided that it will be organized on a date as may be fixed by the President of the Philippines. (PNA)