To pay homage to the life, times and literary works of its most celebrated local hero, the Municipality of Binalonan held the 11th Carlos Bulosan Day at the Ramon J. Guico Sr. Sports and Civic Center.
The event was held Sept. 11, which was declared as a local holiday by the local government.
With the theme “On Becoming a Filipino: Siak ni Carlos Bulosan”, the celebration attended by the municipal officials and employees, Dep Ed officials, teachers and students from the different schools of Binalonan, focused on lectures, open forum, and presentations based on the life and works of Carlos Bulosan.
National Artist on Literature Francisco Sionil Jose, talked on the life and literary works of Bulosan. Also, a Carlos Palanca Memorial awardee in short story, Sionil is an adopted son of Binalonan through a municipal resolution. He said Binalonan is very lucky for having a mayor who gives importance to arts and culture.
Santiago Villafania, a bilingual Pangasinense writer who writes in English and in his native language of Pangasinan, discussed the present situation of Pangasinan literature. Villafania, who studied poetry, literature and history was a recipient of the 1st Asna Award for Arts and Culture (Literature) given by the province of Pangasinan in 2010. Asna gives the highest expression of recognition to outstanding Pangasinenses in their respective professions.
Mayor Ramon Guico III, in his message, expressed his admiration to Bulosan who despite lack of formal education became a prolific writer and labor union leader in the US. Guico urged Binalonians to be proud of Bulosan and be their model and inspiration.
WCC Aeronautical and Technological College, University of Eastern Pangasinan, Juan G. Macaraeg NHS, Bugayong Integrated School, Batasan NHS, Sumabnit NHS, Sta. Maria NHS, and San Felipe NHS showcased performances in relation to the life and works of Bulosan during the celebration.
Councilor Noel Apolinario Bautista, chairman, Committee on Education and Tourism, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the event organizers and visitors.
Municipal Tourism coordinator Angelica Peregrino spearheaded the celebration.
Bulosan was born in Binalonan and migrated to the United States where he became a famous writer and union leader.