The Governor of the State of Hawaii, Linda Lingle and an entourage of over a hundred people are here in the Philippines for an 8-day state visit. The Governor came to Ilocandia to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the first sacadas that landed in Hawaii. The celebration, where a commemoration marker was unveiled, was done in Salomague Port, Cabaguao, Ilocos Sur , where the first sacadas, all from the town of Candon, boarded a ship bound for Hawaii in the year 1906. After that is an exodus of Ilocanos who migrated to Hawaii and and may be the main reason why today we find numerous Ilocano immigrants staying in the islands and also in mainland USA.
Just a few days ago, the provincial capitol informed us that San Esteban would be included in the itinerary of Gov. Lingle on her way from Vigan City to La Union on January 9, 2006. Initially, we were instructed to have the visit done at Brgy. San Pablo, where the stonecraft industry will be shown to the Governor and her entourage, some of which are investors. On the last minute, we requested the provincial capitol to change plans and instead of receiving our guests in San Pablo, make it at the SEAM Municipal Health Clinic Annex so that the Governor will see how loving and caring our town mates from Hawaii are.
And right after the Governor alighted from her car, she got attracted to the name “Aloha”marked on the building and pointed to by Vice Gov. DV Savellano. She got fascinated with our story and with much interest entered the SEAM building and took a while marveling at the “List of Donors”. Mayor Armando Abad, Vice Mayor Norman Mendoza, SBM Florence Ramirez and Dra. Annie de Guzman took turns answering the queries of the Governor.
The Governor and party were presented with miniature almires from San Pablo. Brgy. Captain Olivia Guzman Garcia and the members of the council of San Pablo were there to assist the municipal officials in presenting the souvenirs.
The marching band of South Central School and other schoolchildren welcomed the Governor and her entourage. Municipal officials, employees and members of the Sangguniang Bayan took time out to welcome the Governor who was very impressed with the warm welcome accorded her. She told the Mayor that next time we visit Hawaii we go and pay her a visit at the capitol.
