LAS Piñas Rep. Camille Villar feted the people of Calaca City of Batangas and lauded them for their resilience and resolute drive for progress and development as they celebrated this year’s “CalacAtchara Festival,” which coincided with the city’s 189th founding anniversary.
“Kahanga-hanga na sa higit na isang siglo ay malayo na ang narating ng inyong lungsod. Salamin na po kayo ng kaunlaran at progreso sa inyong probinsya. Makikita ito sa inyong magagandang palamuti, sa excitement ng mga kasali sa patimpalak at sayaw ngayon, at sa umuusbong na turismo sa inyong lugar,” Villar said in her speech as guest of honor.
“Malapit na po kayong mag- 200 years, at habang papalapit ito ay nawa’y ang mga Calacazen ay patuloy na magtulungan at magkaisa—para sa inyong mithiin na mas maayos at mas maunlad na buhay dito sa inyong lungsod,” she added.
Villar noted that Calaca City is known for its cultural heritage and traditions, amazing sceneries such as Mt. Batulao, and its famous and delicious atchara, which is a type of pickles made from green papaya and other ingredients and is fermented for at least 24 to 48 hours. This is often served as a side dish for fried or grilled foods.
“Kayo ay binabalik balikan ng libo-libong turista taon-taon, lalo na sa inyong kapistahan, dahil dito sa inyong lugar matatagpuan ang pinakamasarap na atchara sa buong Pilipinas,” said Villar, who is the CEO of ALL Value Group and managing director of Vista Land.
“Your atchara transcends culinary flavors and adds distinctness, zest and life to the dishes it is paired with. It is homemade, warms the heart, and makes you nostalgic about memories you have here in Batangas while eating the dish. And this perfectly mirrors your people and your city of Calaca,” she also said, adding: “Napakasimple po ng ingredients pero punong-puno ng lasa, punong-puno ng buhay, at talaga namang pinananabikan at binabalik-balikan ng mga tao.”
Villar likewise rallied the Calacazens to take advantage of their annual CalacAtchara Festival and showcase the city’s best materials and products to sustain the interests of local and international travellers, and to further boost their local industries.
“May this gathering also rekindle the commitment of your people to contribute to national development. Sa pagkakaisa, sipag at tiyaga, mararating natin ang isang mas maunlad, mas maayos at mas masaganang bukas para sa ating lahat,” she said.
She added: “Asahan niyo po na hindi po ito ang huling punta namin dito dahil, parang serving ng inyong atchara, ay babalik-balikan po namin ang inyong lungsod.”
