Sta. Rosa City, Lag u n a . S M a y o r Arlene B. Arcillas once again recognized the
efforts of every individual in the City of Santa Rosa in this year’s Sikhayan Festival held on February 18 at the city’ Multi-Purpose Complex. Sikhayan was derived from the words “sikap” at “kabuhayan” which intends to celebrate and recognize the efforts of the people in the city.
In her message during the opening of the festival, Arcillas said that the “pagsisikhay” of the citizens was the key to the development of Santa Rosa from the former municipality which thrived from farming and fishing towards becoming a commercial and industrial city that it is today. In addition to the investors that entered and have continued to stay inside the city for many years. Arcillas also called on everyone’s participation for the continuous development of Santa Rosa consistent with the theme of Sikahayan 2023. “Sikhayan is a testament to the unity and efforts not only of the City Government, not only of the industries, but of each and every Santa Rosa family,” she said.
The late Mayor Leon C. Arcillas who is considered the “Ama ng Lungsod” was also recognized by Mayor Arlene for having faith in the potential of the city and its citizens to reach the progress it is enjoying today. She also added that in the celebration of the 25th Sikhayan Festival in 2024, companies and industries inside the city will be invited as participants in the street dance competition. “Let us all prove that the Lion City will keep on roaring and will keep on developing… Santa Rosa will be the best city to play in, do business in and live in not only in South Luzon but in the whole of the Philippines,” in her ending statement. Santa Rosa was formerly known as Barrio Bukol which is part of Bian.
It became a separate municipality on January 18, 1792, and the celebration of Sikhayan Festival coincides with the anniversary of its establishment as a separate The City of Santa Rosa, under the leadership of Arcillas, has been implementing the participatory style of governance ever since. It is a style of governance in which the officials give importance to the participation and contribution of every sector in creating and implementing the plans and programs. (ROSELLE AQUINO)
