'Balik Baroto Regatta' to spice up 72nd Talisay Landing anniversary

CEBU, Philippines - A total of P330,000 in cash prize will be given away to the winners of the 'Balik Baroto Regatta', a one-of-a-kind boat race that is expected to add pomp and glamour to the 72nd anniversary celebration of the historic Talisay Landing of the American Liberation Forces this Sunday, March 26.

Spearheaded by the Balik Baroto Movement for nearly a decade now, the one-day event will be participated in by close to a hundred fishermen from all over the province of Cebu. There will also be entries from Leyte and from Lala, Lanao del Norte.

"I firmly believe such kind of endeavor has a deep impact on the vision of President Rodrigo Duterte for the poor as it gives importance to the marginalized sector of our society especially those who can't afford to buy a pump boat", said Balik Baroto Movement founding chairman Dir. David 'Kuya' Boy, S. Odilao, Jr.

"Aside from giving them a rare opportunity to showcase their paddling and maneuvering skills, it is also of great cultural value as it is highlights the mode of transportation of our forebears during the olden days," he added.

"It is really my desire to encourage our fellow countrymen the use of 'baroto' as  alternative means of transport especially in these times that gasoline price is incessantly soaring. Moreover, it is one way to promote a much cleaner environment for all."

For this year's edition, close to 50 tandems in colorful sailboats will compete against each other in the grueling action at sea that covers over seven nautical miles starting at the Larawan Beach Resort in Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City.

The competitors will then paddle their way to Pooc and make their first U-turn off the waters near Corona del Mar subdivision. They will then head to the South Road Properties for their final U-turn off the shores fronting SM City Seaside before going back to Larawan resort.

Hefty cash prizes are at stake for the top performers of the noble undertaking backstopped by the city government of Talisay under the flagship of Mayor Eduardo 'Eddiegul' R. Gullas in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas through Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, Tuburan LGU led by Mayor Democrito 'Aljun' Diamante, Jr. and the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles).

The champion will take home P50,000, while the second to fifth will receive P40,000, P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000, respectively. A consolation prize of P5,000 each will be given away to the 6th up to 10th placers and P2,000 each for the 11th up to 50th finishers.

There will also be special awards for the 'Most Colorful" entries:P25,000 for the 1st, P20,000 for the 2nd, P15,000 for the 3rd, P10,000 for the 4th, and P5,000 for the 5th placer. (FREEMAN)