Palawenos are simple peace loving people, and Baragatan Festival is the time where people meet, regardless of their political or religious beliefs; a symbol of partnership, people working together for Palawan’s development and progress.
Baragatan, from its root word “bagat” is a cuyonon word that means convergence, a meeting, or an assembly of people and culture. And with this year’s theme “Kita-kits” kita sa Baragatan sa Palawan 2009 says it all.
Started off during the 98th founding anniversary of the civil government of Palawan, Baragatan Festival is now in its 9th year, attracting not only balikbayans but also local and foreign visitors alike to come to Puerto Princesa to participate in this event. The celebration is focused on the historical, cultural, agricultural and the trade potentials of the province participate by the different municipalities, the private sector and non-government agencies.
Baragatan also promotes the other municipalities of the province; a once a year opportunity to observe personally the culture, tradition and products coming from the 23 municipalities. A bird’s eye view of what the municipalities can offer, including the areas for tourism, potential growth and investments.
Baragatan Festival was highlighted last June 15-23, 2009, with a number of events and activities to choose from, some of which are as follows…
FLOAT PARADE
Floats of local government units, non-government organizations, schools, companies and other institutions depicts the significant event and development in their locality or organization in relation to Baragatan paraded around the Province’s capital together with other floats.
ADLAO Y ANG CUYONON
A whole day of celebration focused on the culture, food, art, and music of Cuyo.
Started off with the Basic Tipano Workshop, followed by Lutong Atenanen in the afternoon which featured local delicacies and sweets presented by the Grupong Kababaihan sa Cuyo (Women’s Federation of Cuyo).
This day ended with a cultural show entitled “Gabi y ang cuyonon” in the Capitol Park Square where a display of Cuyonon culture and music is presented thru drama, songs and dances. (Video will be uploaded soon.)
LGU AND PRIVATE TRADE FAIRS
This is an event where local government units displays and sell their local produce and products and at the same time highlight their tourism destinations whether man-made, natural, cultural, historical or special type. Each local government is provided a booth where they can exhibit and show their products.
The Private trade fair is composed of businessmen and other entrepreneurs in the province that sold their merchandise and products in their respective booths.
CULTURAL SHOWS
Palawaenos, being rich in culture and traditions, made it a point to showcase this during the festival. With a number of cultural shows and concerts in the Capitol Park Square grounds, this depicts not only the talent of Palawenos but also their heritage.
With these short presentations, they aim to preserve the tradition and pride of their culture. A reminder of what they have been, and how they arrived to what they have become. Songs and dances capture a wide array of audience. A language that every heart and soul understands.
RECYCLING CONTEST
Palawan, known as an environmental friendly province, and Puerto Princesa declared as the cleanest and greenest city of the Philippines for three consecutive years, no doubt that A recycling contest will also take part in this year’s Baragatan Festvial celebration.
Rules are simple. Participants can use anything they can find in the garbage and create something out of these items either for display or a usable household item.
Participants can be individuals, groups or organization and a maximum of two entries per individual or group. 65 entries was included in the contest and was in display in the Provincial capitol grounds for judging.
“Our objective is to eliminate waste from the environment which are the non-biodegradable wastes. So instead of throwing them to the environment, we want to educate the people that these things can still be used to create something useful.” Mitchell Gimena cited, the Information, education, communications officer of shell Philippines exploration in Palawan. Then he added, “This project can also be another form of livelihood for the people. It gave the Palawenos a chance to learn and be creative, at the same time open their eyes that they can indeed earn from the garbage.”
