RECOGNIZING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF VEGA BAJA, PUERTO RICO

On 2026-10-05, Representative Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF VEGA BAJA, PUERTO RICO" in the House.

RECOGNIZING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF VEGA BAJA, PUERTO RICO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1021] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF VEGA BAJA, PUERTO RICO ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Monday, October 5, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the municipality of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, as it celebrates its 250th anniversary. Vega Baja was officially founded on October 7, 1776, thanks to the vision of Don Antonio Viera and the generosity of Don Manuel Negron Benitez, who provided the land to establish the town. It is a remarkable coincidence of history that Vega Baja shares its founding year with our Nation, making this semi-quincentennial an especially profound milestone for both. Over the past two and a half centuries, the city has been a cornerstone of Puerto Rico's development. It grew into an agricultural powerhouse, known for its sugarcane and citrus. Later, in 1873, the establishment of the Central San Vicente, the island's first sugarcane refinery, transformed the local economy and cemented Vega Baja's legacy in our island's industrial history. But the true heart of Vega Baja lies in its people. Walking through its historic downtown, you can feel the deep cultural identity of a community that has raised generations of educators, artists, athletes, and public servants who have made Puerto Rico proud. This year 2026, the 69th edition of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade was dedicated to Vega Baja, affectionately known as the ``Ciudad del Melao Melao,'' in commemoration of this 250th anniversary. Reaching 250 years is no small feat, and it reminds us of the critical role of sound public administration. Simply put, no city endures and thrives for two and a half centuries without dedicated administrators and leaders who consistently prioritize the well-being of their citizens. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mayor Marcos Cruz Molina and the thousands of proud vegabajenos on this historic occasion. Here's to the next 250 years of progress and prosperity for Vega Baja. ____________________