June 05, 2023 – The unexpected heavy rain did not stop the City Government of Balanga from celebrating its much-awaited COB Grand Santacruzan 2023.

The COB Grand Santacruzan is an event that honors the devotion to the Holy Cross and affection for the Blessed Mother Mary, through the spiritual guidance of the Cathedral Shrine Parish of St. Joseph. This is an annual tradition that was only halted because of the pandemic.

Beautiful Balangueñas, with City Councilor Hon. Jowee N. Zabala as the Reyna Elena, participated in the processional parade.

Meanwhile, Balanga City Tourism Council (BCTC) Chairperson Ms. Raquel Garcia, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, and city department heads led by City Administrator Atty. April Lorelei Atcheco, along with city employees, joined and danced to the music of the “Zambale.”

The COB Grand Santacruzan was initially scheduled on May 29, but was rescheduled on June 02 due to the threat of Typhoon Betty.