Bulaceños
are extremely proud of their history and culture, and with
very good reason to be. Aside from its unique historical
heritage, Bulacan has become known for its long tradition
of craftsmanship and indigenous resources like fine jewelry,
garments, and bone-in-laid furniture among others.
The
local government of Bulacan banked on this sense of pride
in promoting a strong social infrastructure essential to
the development of a sound economy. Through Gov. Pagdanganan’s
Cultural Development Program, culture was linked to socio-economic
development.
A
series of activities popularizing culture and history were
initiated, culminating in the annual celebration of “Linggo
ng Bulacan”. Aside from instilling pride and a sense
of community, this helped inspire people to aim for excellence
in both products and services.
The
Arts-Crafts-Enterprises synergy proved to be successful.
Local and foreign tourists alike went to Bulacan for their
crafts, which are truly world-class. It was not only in
arts and crafts that Bulacan excelled in. The province also
became known in areas such as education and sports. It also
had the cleanest and greenest municipality, most outstanding
PNP Command, and the biggest community cooperative in Asia.
Following
the highly successful Cultural Development Program, Bulacan
proved that with a solid social structure follows an even
stronger economy as the province posted a 126% increase
in family income. It also recorded the lowest poverty incidence
in the country. To this day, the province lives up to its
reputation, evident in the slogan, “Bulacan, No. 1”.
