ROXAS City – This city celebrated its 70th charter anniversary yesterday with nary a hype or noise due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
There were no large gatherings and big activities, according to Mayor Ronnie Dadivas.
But a mass was held in the morning at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral officiated by Monsignor Freddie Billanes.
This was followed by a flag-raising ceremony and wreath- laying ceremony at the President Manuel A. Roxas Monument.
It was 70 years ago, on May 12, 1951, when then El Puerto de Capiz or Capiz town was formally converted into a city through Republic Act 603, signed by President Elpidio Quirino.
Through said Republic Act, Capiz town was also renamed after its most illustrious son, President Manuel Acuña Roxas.
On April 15, 1948 President Roxas, the fifth president of the Philippines (1946-1948), died of a heart attack while speaking during a visit to the then Clark Air Base in Pampanga. He was 56.
Roxas, who was born in Capiz on Jan. 1, 1892, took his oath as president on July 4, 1946./PN
