Borbon town names festival after its river

Cebu - The municipality of Borbon will formally launch today the Silmugi Festival as the town’s official festival in answer to the challenge of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for all local government units to come up with a festival that is distinct of their own local culture.

Town officials has chosen to name the festival after the Silmugi River- located between barangays Cadaruhan and Poblacion- as its way to give tribute to the river from which the town’s residents have benefited for the past years.

Borbon Mayor Bernard “Butch” Sepulveda the launching of the Silmugi Festival is also part of the municipality’s plan to develop and promote the Silmugi River as an eco-tourism site. 

Today’s launching will be the highlight of the opening ceremonies of the town’s fiesta in honor of its patron saint, the San Sebastian Martyr.

Town officials will lead the opening parade, which will start at the Silmugi River.

On January 20, six contingents will participate and compete in the Silmugi Festival.

 A festival queen would also be selected from among the lead dancers of the six contingents.

Municipal Councilor Vicente Sepulveda, chairman of the town council’s committee on tourism, said the efforts in promoting the Silmugi River have the support of the different sectors of the town.

In a visit to Borbon, Garcia said Capitol will support the town’s initiatives especially that developing Silmugi river into an eco-tourism site supports the province’s program to make Cebu the festival province of the Philippines.

Apart from developing the Silmugi river, municipal councilor Mardonio Mangubat, chairman of the committee on agriculture, said they are also developing the town’s agriculture.

With its own festival in place, Borbon would now be able to participate in the “Pasigarbo sa Sugbu” this August, a yearly event initiated by the provincial government wherein cities and towns in Cebu compete for the chance to be named the province’s best festival.

The Pasigarbo sa Sugbo is being supported by the Department of Tourism. — Jose P. Sollano/JMO  (THE FREEMAN)