Mayor Edsel A. Galeos and members of the Sangguniang Bayan and employees of the Municipality of Argao held their 3^rd Annual Employees’ Day and Sports fest at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club on October 24, 2008.  The annual event was first held during the last term of Mayor Wilfredo Caminero in 2006 and is held yearly to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among the various offices and departments of the municipality.

Argao gave its warmest and grandest welcome for a sitting President of the Philippines ever during the visit of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on October 30, 2008, for the unveiling of the marker of the Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Sports and Cultural Center. The President’s party arrived in Argao at around 2 o’clock in the afternoon, after which she was driven in a coaster van towards the Sports and Cultural Center.

On hand to welcome the President were Mayor Edsel A. Galeos, Deputy House Speaker and 2^nd district representative Pablo Garcia, Board Member Agnes Magpale (who represented the Province), and members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Argao.  Also there to welcome the President were the Pitlagong Festival contingents of Barangays Jampang ang Poblacion, and Argao Central Elementary School.  Other guests included Mayors Nicomedes delos Santos of Alcoy, Esteban Sia of Ronda, Andrade Alcantara of Dalaguete, and Lionel Bacaltos of Sibonga.

The Argao Performing Arts (APA) group performed in front of two international gatherings last October 24 and October 26, 2008.

The APA performed the Pitlagong Festival dance in front of delegates from 150 countries at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) on October 24 for the farewell dinner of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO). The UN-WTO held its conference in Cebu City from October 23 to 24.  This was also the APA’s first performance outside Argao.

            The barangay of Talo-ot, Argao, Cebu, held a 3-hour long seminar on local history and community paper writing on October 26, 2008 at the Talo-ot Central School.  Association of Barangay Captains and Talo-ot barangay chairman Virgilio Rizon invited local historian and genealogist Todd Lucero Sales to give a short talk on history writing as well as starting their own newspaper.  Teachers, barangay officials, and members of the youth attended the seminar.

Once again, the Municipality of Argao has proven its ability to excel and to be a leader In many fields. It has been chosen by the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children (PCWC), co-chaired by Governor Gwen Garcia and Board Member Agnes Magpale, as the Most Child Friendly Municipality among the local government units of Cebu belonging to the 1st to 3rd classification of municipalities.

By: Sec. Cerge M. Remonde 

Festivities held last week to commemorate this milestone in the town’s life drew me back once more to the place that gave me my roots, giving a welcome respite from national concerns and time for some much-needed introspection and reflection – for my hometown’s past and its future.
At 400 years, Argao can be considered one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. It was founded in 1608 as a Spanish pueblo. Officials of the town and concerned citizens embraced this heritage and took steps to ensure that the distinct Spanish and early American architecture that give Argao its unique character is preserved. 
Through these efforts, the church of San Miguel Arcangel remains as it was when it was first built, although time and the elements have taken their toll on its structure, façade and all. Within its walls also remains one of the 14 remaining Spanish era pipe organs.