For the third year in a row, Cauayan, my hometown, celebrated its Bamboo Festival. The festival, held in honor of the plant that inspired the name of the town, is a highlight of the local celebration of the National Tourism Month.
Mayor John Rey Tabujara said the successful celebration “highlighted the unity and vibrant spirit of the Cauayanons.”
Various activities and competitions were featured as part of the two-day celebration.
These include artistic, cultural, sports and entrepreneurial competitions participated by the 25 barangays and various schools in the town.
Specifically, there were the bamboo and mosaic competitions as well as the Tunog Kawayan and bamboo-inspired folk dance contests which showcased the creativity of townsfolk using bamboo products in expressing musicality and dancing grace and skills.
The banca race was a sporting test of speed, and endurance inspired by boats with bamboo outriggers commonly used in ancient seafaring.
To ensure continued supply, a bamboo propagule planting activity was held at Barangay Talacdan, an upland community.
The main event was the Bamboo Trade Fair which showcased products and potentials using the bamboo as the base element.
The fair featured furniture and fixtures, souvenir items and decors as well as the food showcase.
Also held were the induction of the local tourism organization offices, a job fair and live band presentations.
Thanking various sectors and partners, Mayor Tabujara said their participation and support “were truly inspiring… showcasing the united us as one community.”
The celebration, he further said, “reflects our continued commitment to promoting our culture, supporting sustainable practices, and strengthening our local identity.”
Together, we celebrate bamboo as a symbol of resilience, growth, and unity for our municipality, the mayor reiterated.
We trust that through the Bamboo Festival, the annual Lubay-lubay celebration in January and whatever promotional activities it can further develop, Cauayan will continue to play and strengthen its role in boosting local pride and economy, further create connections with its people and other communities, attract more tourists and promote the preservation of local culture and heritage in southern Negros.
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But we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4) | NWI
