Batac city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared June 23 as a special non-working holiday in Batac City to celebrate its 19th Charter Day, as per Proclamation No. 1307. The proclamation, signed on June 10 and made public on Monday, emphasizes the importance of allowing Batac's residents to fully engage in the festivities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the City of Batac kicked off its month-long Charter Day celebration on June 10 with a significant initiative aimed at supporting local agriculture. A total of 29,850 bags of fertilizer, including varieties like 25-0-0 ammonium chloride, 14-14-14 complete fertilizer, and 16-20-0 fertilizer, will be distributed to 6,396 registered farmers. The distribution will be managed by the City Agriculture Office, with allocations based on the size of each farmer's cultivated land.
"This initiative reflects the city government's continued commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring Batac's farmers receive the support they need to sustain their livelihood," Mayor Mark Christian Chua stated on Monday.
In addition to agricultural support, the city will provide P20-per-kilo rice under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program on June 16 and 17. A total of 1,000 bags, each weighing 50 kilos, will be available to various beneficiaries, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and others. City Agriculturist Mark Allan Abad urged beneficiaries to bring eco bags and noted that the maximum purchase is limited to 10 kilos per person, with sales conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The celebrations on June 23 will feature the "Kape Kultura Fusion Challenge" at Imelda Cultural Center, where participants can create unique coffee-based beverages inspired by local traditions. Additional events include a culinary competition, food fair expo, tree planting, and a film festival awards night.
Batac's journey to city status was formalized in 2007 through Republic Act No. 9407, following a plebiscite that confirmed its cityhood.
