These were the opening words of Mayor Noel A. Nacar as he addressed the crowd during the New Year’s eve celebration at the Dasol
Municipal Park. The Dasolinians had a double celebration. It was not only to welcome year 2011 but, more importantly, it was to mark the Centennial Year of the
Municipality of Dasol.
On January 1, 1911, by virtue of Executive Order No.25, Series of 1911, Dasol gained its independent status when it was separated from the Municipality of Burgos. January 1, 2011, then, is its 100th year as an independent Municipality. On this day begins the year-long celebration of Dasol’s centennial anniversary.
The countdown activity started at 11:15 pm of December 31. The Masters of Ceremony, Raymond Bustamante and Mary Ann Baraan, read the history of Dasol, after which Mrs. Arlene E. Dulay led the singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal. It was followed by a Prayer led by Councilor Miguelito R. Nono, Chair of the Centennial Celebration. Councilor Nono quoted biblical phrases which gave importance to salt because it is the major product of Dasol. The candle lighting ceremony was incorporated in the prayer. Being the head of the municipality, Mayor Noel Nacar lighted the unity candle, representing the main source of light. He was followe\d by Vice Mayor Manuel B. Rivera, representing light from the East. The candle for the South was lighted by ABC President Ludovico Bonustro, while the candle for the West
was lighted by SKF President Nadine S. Nacar. The last candle representinglight from the North was assigned to Councilor Sabido M. Nacar. After the candle lighting ceremony was the community singing of Hawak Kamay, to signify the unity of Dasolinians.While waiting for midnight, the Masters of Ceremony read some historical trivia of Dasol. It was said that Dasol, whose seat of government then was at Barangay Uli was composed of only of seven barangays namely: Malimpin,Tambobong, Uli, Malacapas, Bongalon now Hermosa, Alilao and Poblacion.
At 10 seconds to midnight, the public started the countdown. At the count of 10, colorful fireworks were displayed from the rooftop of the Municipal Hall, to the delight of the crowd.Then, Vice Mayor Manuel Rivera delivered his message where he appealed for unity among the townspeople.In his centennial address, Nacar expressed his joy that Dasol has reached its 100th year topping it with the question, “Where are we now after 100 years?”Beaming with pride, the Mayor gladly told the public that the new municipal building was the result of the Dasolinians’ concerted effort. He said, it was built from the townspeople’s resources and the local government did not resort to borrowings to build it.
Another very important information from the Mayor was the fact that the World War II US warship, USS Harder, was sunk somewhere in Dasol Bay. He said that there is a plan for the municipality to host a world diving competition to look for the relics of the USS Harder. He ended with an appeal for Dasolinians to extend their support and cooperation in the programs of the local government. He promised to stop criminal activities especially those related to drugs and the operation of videoke bars. After the Mayor’s address, 100 balloons were released, one at a time, representing the 100 years of the municipality. The last balloon was released by Hon. Noel A. Nacar, while the others were released by municipal and barangay officials and other prominent personalities.
Another highlight of the night’s activities was the display of the centennial logo. This was done after the release of the one hundred balloons. The Masters of Ceremony explained the details of the logo’s design. “The outside circle represents the unified Dasolinians, who exercise camaraderie and share common interest and who support the same cause for the community. The new Municipal Hall represents the new face of Dasol, a face of a transformed, improved and reborn municipality. The industries like salt-making, food and commercial crops and tourist attractions of Dasol have existed even before the beginning of civilization up to now. This proves that Dasol has been so old yet so young because of continuous development. It is like a rising sun that never ceases to exist. ‘Dasol’ and ‘100 years’ were written to show Dasol’s mark of distinctiveness and integrity. The theme, ‘Moving Ahead’, the years ‘1911-2011’ and the word ‘Centennial Year’ were also written which signify a forward-looking Dasol towards a more advanced, progressive and competitive community.”
Media Noche Ng Bayan” “followed after the display of centennial logo. All the 18 barangays of Dasol were represented and the barangay folks brought rice cakes and other delicacies which the crowd gladly feasted on. This was the first time in the municipality that media noche was shared by the townspeople in one gathering. As part of the centennial celebration, a contest in centennial logo making was done on December 3, 2010 at the Legislative Hall. The contest was open to all Dasolinians. A senior student of the Dasol Catholic School won the contest. He was Rey Efren Dizon from Barangay Gais-Guipe. He was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by Mayor Nacar after the Media Noche Ng Bayan. Another award was given to George Rhingo Lampitoc, Planning Officer of the LGU, for interpreting the winning logo into graphics. After the awarding, a choral presentation was rendered by the Senior Citizens of Barangay Amalbalan, and served as the final number. Earlier in the evening, a mass was celebrated at the Roman Catholic Church where Mayor Noel Nacar and the first family made the offerings. After the mass, the Mayor delivered a message where he invited the public to join the activities at the Dasol Municipal Park.
