February 5, 2025
In celebration of the 233rd Feast of La Purisima Concepcion of Santa Maria, Bulacan, one of the festival highlights was the Chicharon Festival and Santa Maria Business Float Parade 2025 held on February 5, 2025. The said parade featured the municipal officials, fiesta committees, bands from different parts of Luzon, and some business entities in the Municipality, including the Santa Maria Water District (SMWD).
The invitation from the Municipal Tourism was accepted by SMWD, hence the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System immediately took action to ensure smooth parade participation.
On the day of the parade, informational brochures discussing various topics such as water conservation tips, super patak comics’ strip Volume 1, and Si SMWD ay Hindi NAWASA were randomly distributed. The distribution of the brochure aimed to provide valuable information and educate the public on the importance of conserving water.
On the other hand, the SMWD Dancers lined up to captivate the festivalgoers with their well-rehearsed street dance performance. Creative props were also incorporated to enhance the visual impact of the show. Their presence in the parade highlighted not only their talents but also the agency’s commitment in engaging with the community through cultural expression.
This year’s float featured a wave-inspired design, symbolizing the vital role of water in daily life, with the combination of blue, green and light blue colors—the signature colors of SMWD logo, served as a visual reminder of agency’s commitment to deliver safe and reliable water services.
The official mascot of the SMWD, Patak, which is the visual identity of the agency, was present in the float of SMWD. Patak brought joy and entertainment to the parade, especially to the children.
The participants gathered at Hapchan Bagbaguin for an early morning assembly. At the same time, Mayor Bartolome “Omeng” Ramos and Municipal Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office OIC, Ms. Ma. Nerissa C. del Rosario, personally visited each float, acknowledging their dedication and presenting certificates as tokens of appreciation.
The parade route wound its way through the streets, starting from Brgy. Bagbaguin and concluding around the church of the Minor Basilica of La Purisima Conception. It was a vibrant celebration, uniting the town in joy and festivity.
Certainly, the SMWD will keep on supporting the Municipality of Santa Maria in commemorating events that honor culture and history.
Prepared by:
Alvin P. Policarpio