Mandaue’s La Presidencia turns 75

The powers-that-be of Mandaue celebrated on Wednesday the 75th anniversary of La Presidencia , the City Hall building, with the launching of a coffee table book about Mandaue and a fashion show.

While the party went on within the fenced building that has been declared a heritage site by the National Historical Institute, ordinary folk stood outside watching the event from a large TV screen.

“It’s a beautiful event. A perfect time for everybody to talk together and celebrate the rich history of Mandaue City,” said 6th district Rep. Luis Quisuimbing.

Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes said the fashion show depicted the city’s development from the 1940s to the present.

Cortes salso aid the coffee table book would make Mandauehanons proud about their city.

The anniversary was also a gathering of administration and opposition figures of the city.

There was former mayor of Mandaue Alfredo Ouano, his son Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano, and PB Member Arleigh Sitoy.

The coffee table book will be sold in local and international bookstores. It will also be given as tokens to dignitaries and VIPs visiting the city.

Class divide?

While the ceremony unfolded inside, curious local residents watched images of the program on an outdoor video screen.

Jenny Ancot with her 27-year-old daughter Jenny and two grandchildren stood for several hours outside the fenced party organized by the Mandaue City Hall.

She came from barangay Looc, her home, and said she was surprised to see men guarding the party.

“Nagtuo jud mi nga open ni siya sa tanan tao mao bitaw nianhi mi,” she said.

(We thought this event was open to the public. That’s why we came.)

Jenny said that when the fashion show started, she and other spectators went near the stage but could only get a view of the sandals of the models.

Neverttheless she said she l enjoyed it because the sandals came in many colors and designs.

She said it was “an event for the rich” and understood why others like her couldn’t enter the venue.

She said at least they were entertained by what they watche don the video screen.

Alice, another spectator, said she wanted to go home after finding out the anniversary was an exclusive party.

But her mother wanted to stay and finish until the fireworks show was over.

James Abadia, Mandaue city administrator, said that the city government spent less than P1 million for Wednesday’s event.