Santa Rosa City, Laguna celebrates 20th anniversary
SANTA Rosa City in Laguna Tuesday marked its 20th year as a city with pomp and pageantry highlighted by the 25th Sikhayan Festival showcasing community pride, cultural appreciation, and socio-economic progress.
The Sikhayan Festival, derived from the phrase “Pagsisikhay sa Kabuhayan” (diligence for livelihood), symbolizes the spirit of Santa Rosa’s residents.
Celebrated annually, this festival honors the hardworking individuals who contribute to the city’s vibrant economy and rich cultural heritage. The festival’s rescheduling to coincide with the cityhood anniversary further strengthens the sense of unity and shared purpose among
On July 10, 2004, Santa Rosa was declared a chartered city under Republic Act No. 9264.
To date, Santa Rosa was considered a “beacon of progress and innovation in the Philippines, offering a high quality of life and a thriving economic landscape.”
Over the past twenty years, Santa Rosa was said to have undergone a profound transformation, characterized by significant advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development.
Its strategic location and businessfriendly environment have made the city an ideal destination for investors, attracting numerous industries and becoming a hub for manufacturing and technology.
This industrial boom has created thousands of jobs, spurred the development of housing and commercial spaces, and enhanced public amenities, making Santa Rosa an attractive place to live and work.
Mayor Arlene Arcillas who initially served as councilor became the city’s first elected mayor of the city. Her administration has been described as “instrumental in driving the city’s growth, ensuring that progress is inclusive and sustainable.”
Arcilla’s “Four Pillars of Development” framework focuses on economic growth, social development, environmental sustainability, and good governance. This comprehensive approach has transformed the City of Santa Rosa into a model city, fostering unity and collective growth among its residents.
She rolled out various initiatives to boost the local economy, including business incentives, infrastructure projects to improve connectivity, and programs to support small and medium enterprises.