I first noticed the Charter Anniversary of Naga City when I was in Grade 5, that was back in 2014. That year, I proudly marched in the parade with my classmates, waving our school banner under the morning sun. Back then, I was mostly excited about the colorful decorations, the booming drums, and the cheering crowd. It felt like a big festival, and to my young mind, that was all it was.
But as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that the Charter Anniversary is more than just parades and celebration. It’s a tribute to the birth of a city that dared to take control of its own destiny, and a recognition of how far we, as Nagueños, have come since that historic day.
The Charter Anniversary commemorates June 18, 1948, when Republic Act No. 305 was signed into law by President Elpidio Quirino, officially declaring Naga as a chartered city. This status granted Naga the autonomy to govern itself, laying the groundwork for decades of civic, economic, and cultural development.
This pivotal moment transformed Naga into one of the earliest chartered cities in the Bicol Region. It meant more than just a new name or title — it marked the beginning of a bold experiment in local empowerment. From those early days, Naga grew into a center of education, commerce, good governance, and innovation.
Our progress since then has been shaped by strong leadership, tireless community participation, and an unwavering commitment to putting people at the heart of development. Names like the late Mayor Jesse Robredo remain symbols of this spirit — a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of leaders and citizens.
As I continued to grow up in this city, I began to notice that the Charter Anniversary wasn’t just limited to one day. What once revolved around a single parade has evolved into a week-long series of events — dynamic, inclusive, and community-driven.
One of the most exciting additions is the Charter Anniversary Banchetto, a vibrant three-night celebration where local entrepreneurs and small businesses take center stage. Food stalls, handcrafted goods, and lifestyle booths line the streets, transforming the city into a lively marketplace under the stars. More than just a fair, it empowers local vendors by giving them a platform to connect with fellow Nagueños and showcase their creativity.
In recent years, the celebration has also welcomed dance competitions that bring out the best in our city’s youth. With energetic performances and diverse dance styles, these competitions breathe new life into our public spaces — turning parks and plazas into arenas of culture, rhythm, and pride.
And perhaps one of the most anticipated additions: concerts featuring our very own local artists. These performances, often staged at the heart of the city, bring together families, students, and music lovers to celebrate not just music, but homegrown talent. It’s a stage where Nagueño voices and stories are heard, loud and proud.
From parades to banchettos, from dance floors to concert stages — the Charter Anniversary has become a living, breathing expression of everything Naga stands for: unity, resilience, progress, and pride in our people.
The Charter Anniversary isn’t simply about remembering a law signed decades ago. It’s about reflecting on the impact that charter has had on our daily lives — the better roads we walk on, the inclusive policies that guide our schools and barangays, the vibrant markets and green parks, and the collective voice we have in shaping our future.
It’s a celebration of our autonomy, our community spirit, and our continued journey as a city that chooses people-first governance. The values that came with the charter — transparency, civic engagement, and progress — still resonate today in every city hall initiative, every youth program, and every citizen-led movement.
As someone who once saw Charter Day as a mere school event, I now see it as a powerful tradition that reflects who we are and what we stand for
What makes this celebration truly meaningful is how it evolves while staying true to its core. Every year, new voices are welcomed, new talents are discovered, and new memories are made — all rooted in the same spirit that led to our founding in 1948.
The Charter Anniversary reminds us that history isn’t something locked in the past — it’s something we continue to write. Whether you’re a student in a parade, a small business owner at the banchetto, a dancer on stage, or a singer at the city concert — you are part of that living story.
So this June, as the city comes alive once again, may we celebrate not only with joy but with purpose. Let us honor the legacy of those who came before us, support the voices rising today, and commit ourselves to building an even brighter Naga for the generations to come.
Mabuhay ang Naga! Mabuhay ang mga Nagueño! Tuloy-tuloy ang progreso!
Written by Angelo Joshua Rafer (SPES, CEPPIO). Photo by Ramil Herrera, Jr. (CEPPIO).
