The Gipuzkoa Provincial Council's weekly government meeting took place this morning in Alegia, reinforcing inter-institutional collaboration and the value of collective efforts. Mayor Regina Sorarrain welcomed the council members, led by General Deputy Eider Mendoza.
"Gipuzkoa is the territory of collaboration," Mendoza stated, highlighting the significance of holding monthly meetings in various municipalities, with Alegia being the 26th location for such sessions. "We promised to reach out from the Plaza de Gipuzkoa to the plazas of Gipuzkoa, and we continue in that endeavour. This initiative is not merely symbolic; it has proven very useful in strengthening inter-institutional collaboration and developing local projects in cooperation," she emphasised.
Mendoza expressed a "very positive" view of the initiative, as it opens new avenues for collaboration and allows for a better understanding of the situations and needs of Gipuzkoa's municipalities. "Alegia teaches us the importance of small municipalities in our territory. Their contributions to Gipuzkoa are significant from economic, cultural, and community value perspectives," she added.
In this context, Mendoza thanked the mayor of Alegia for her hospitality and the collaborative topics discussed. Mayor Sorarrain praised the gesture from the Provincial Council towards smaller municipalities, stating, "Gipuzkoa is diverse and expansive, which enriches us. It is important to place small municipalities on the same level as larger ones. As the general deputy says, this is not a one-off issue; the relationship between the Provincial Council and the Alegia City Council is very close on a daily basis. Whenever we need it, we feel heard. Today's initiative reflects that; it is not a fleeting gesture."
Recognition of the Intxausti family
Following the government council meeting, representatives viewed several images from the Intxausti family's photographic collection at the town hall. The Provincial Council acknowledged this Alegia family, which has donated 200,000 images, spanning from 1913 to 2003, along with an index, to the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council. This collection, now housed in the Tolosa Archive, is considered by experts to be of immense value.
Ricardo Intxausti Larrañaga and his son German Intxausti Arregi ran a photography shop in Alegia, capturing the evolution of the landscape, daily life, architecture, and popular life in Tolosaldea throughout the 20th century. Mendoza described the Intxausti collection as a testament to the constant transformation of Gipuzkoa, stating that the images are invaluable for analysing, understanding, and learning to appreciate the history of the region and the experiences of the community.
On behalf of the institution, Mendoza thanked the family for their "generosity" in entrusting the photographic collection "to all Gipuzkoans" and acknowledged their "significant contribution to the community and cultural heritage through their dedicated work over the years." The town hall will organise an exhibition featuring this significant photographic collection throughout November.
