City officials hope GSK will inspire youth

CEBU, Philippines — Following the seventeenth edition of the Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK), Cebu City Councilor Donaldo Hontiveros said he hopes that those who attended the activities and saw the memorabilia, relics, and heritage sites will be inspired to build a better future.

“As we immerse ourselves in the symphony of the past let us be inspired to create a future worthy of remembrance,” said Hontiveros who is also the vice chairman of the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.

Referring to the fun and memorable side of the experience, Hontiveros added he hopes everything visitors have seen and visited will serve as inspiration.

“Let us cherish our cultural heritage, not as relics of a bygone era but as beacons guiding towards a brighter tomorrow,” Hontiveros added.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, also the city’s Tourism commission chairwoman, added that the event is also a very good way for the youth to be able to appreciate the Cebuano and Visayan culture as a whole.

More than appreciation, Pesquera also hopes that the youngsters will continue what the past and present generations have done for the preservation of one’s heritage.

“This is really good for our youth… This is good for our students, because sila ang dapat nga makakat-on og unsa ang atong shared heritage… Dapat nga ma-imbibe nila og unsa kanindot ang atong pagka-Bisaya, unsa ka nindot ang atong kultura, unsa kanindot ang atong heritage. And they have that responsibility to continue what we have started,” Pesquera added.

The latest edition of the GSK also showcased song and dances in select locations.

Aside from Cebu City, this year’s GSK also featured the Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City, the Presidencia in Mandaue City, and the Museo de Talisay in Talisay City. — (FREEMAN)