CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION. Farmers in Batac City, Ilocos Norte receive fertilizer aid from the city government on June 10, 2026. A total of 6,396 registered farmers are expected to receive their share this month in time for the city’s charter day celebration. (Photo courtesy of the City Government of Batac)
LAOAG CITY – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared June 23 as a special non-working holiday in Batac City in celebration of its 19th Charter Day, according to Proclamation No. 1307 signed on June 10 and released to media on Monday.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the city of Batac be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the proclamation stated.
The month-long Charter Day celebration kicked off on June 10 with fertilizer distribution benefiting 6,396 registered farmers under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.
The City Agriculture Office will distribute 29,850 bags of fertilizer, including 25-0-0 ammonium chloride, 14-14-14 complete fertilizer, and 16-20-0 fertilizer. Allocations will be based on each farmer’s cultivated land size.
“This initiative reflects the city government’s continued commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring Batac’s farmers receive the support they need to sustain their livelihood,” Mayor Mark Christian Chua said in a statement Monday.
The P20-per-kilo rice will also be available under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program on June 16 and 17, with 1,000 bags (50 kilos each) prepared. Beneficiaries include senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, farmers and fisherfolk, public transportation drivers, minimum wage earners, and lower-middle income households, including Department of Education teaching and non-teaching staff.
City Agriculturist Mark Allan Abad reminded eligible beneficiaries to bring eco bags when availing of the P20/kilo rice. Maximum purchase will be 10 kilos per person on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies last. Reservations or advance orders will not be entertained.
On June 23, the city government will hold the “Kape Kultura Fusion Challenge” at Imelda Cultural Center, inviting coffee lovers, baristas, students, and entrepreneurs to create innovative coffee-based beverages inspired by local flavors, culture, and heritage.
A culinary competition, food fair expo, tree growing and film festival awards night will also be held.
Batac became a city in 2007 through Republic Act No. 9407, approved via plebiscite. (PNA)