Argao to stage Gabii sa Kabilin

CEBU, Philippines — The municipalities of Argao and Daanbantayan had introduced measures to preserve tourism sites and cultural heritage in their communities.

Argao, a town in southeast Cebu, will now observe the “Gabii sa Kabilin” every third week of May, after the municipality’s Sangguniang Bayan (SB) approved a resolution institutionalizing the activity.

In the explanatory note obtained by The FREEMAN, SB Member Venerando RD Villaflor said the measure’s target is to preserve Argao’s cultural heritage.

Gabii sa Kabilin, which translates to “a night of heritage” in the Cebuano language, was founded by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in Cebu City in 2007. RAFI stated the program aims to help preserve Cebu’s rich culture and heritage and encourage the public to visit museums.

Villaflor said RAFI acknowledged the Gabii sa Kabilin sa Argao, which the town informally practiced for almost four years and has brought enormous benefits to Argao’s tourism.

In the ordinance, it stated that formally adopting the GSK would help recognize the importance and significance of the historical sites, monuments, and structures found in the municipality; preserve, protect, and consent these unique assets, the pride of the municipality, depicting culture and tradition to which Argao is identified; promoting its heritage to the world.

The GSK Argao will include activities such as the typical GSK Heritage walk, Argao Pipe Organ Concert, Dapugan sa Panahon food festival, Fashion show of Hablon hand-woven, and many others.

Joint island protection

Meanwhile, the municipalities of Daanbantayan, Cebu and Esperanza in the Province of Masbate had inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize their agreement for the joint protection, preservation, and sustainable development in La Manok or Manoc-Manoc Island.

Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura and Masbate Mayor Fernando Talisic signed the agreement with their constituents last Tuesday.

Manoc-Manoc Island is located at the northernmost tip of the Province of Cebu, strategically placed between the provinces of Masbate and Cebu, of which both claimed its jurisdiction.

In the agreement signed, both municipalities agreed to conduct joint management of the island and co-administration of its fishery areas.

Daanbantayan shall incorporate its eco-tourism strategy and policy on the island, promoting it as a premiere destination and providing technical assistance for Esperanza.

All fees and other income derived from the island’s eco-tourism activities would be accrued exclusively by Esperanza.

Shimura said the agreement also adds opportunity particularly the citizens of Carnaza Island, giving them more freedom to do fishing in La Manok.

“Nalipay pud ang mga taga Carnaza (Island) kay kun managat ang mga taga Esperanza dakpon namo sila, dakpon sad mi nila sauna. So finally karun nagka-unite na,” said Shimura. — GAN (FREEMAN)