PGLU Hosts 2nd Bangka-thon; Celebrates Oceans, Fisherfolks
By: Vanessa C. Badua, GPC-OPAg, and Marie Jae Anndre Fronda, PIO | Photos By: Rizalde Buenaventura and Christian Rebultan, PIO | Date: May 10, 2024
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, marked the Bulan ti Mannalon ken Mangngalap and Month of the Ocean with a fishing boat marathon entitled “Bangka-thon” on May 10, 2024, at Barangay Quirino, Bacnotan, La Union.
Bangka-thon is a human-powered watercraft racing contest inspired by Dragon Boat Racing. It was conducted to honor the significant roles and contributions of the fisherfolks in the fishery industry by incentivizing them through awards and recognitions. It also empowers LUcal fisherfolks by showcasing their physical skills and teamwork capabilities. Moreover, it aims to promote paddling sport as a recreational activity that can further boost tourism, commemorate rich maritime heritage, and celebrate community spirit in the province.
Participating fisherfolks were from the five chosen La Union coastal municipalities: Rosario, Caba, San Juan, Bacnotan, Luna, and the City of San Fernando. To ensure a smooth sailing activity for all, assisting services were extended by the Local Government Unit of Bacnotan, Barangay Council of Quirino, Bacnotan, Municipal Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office, Municipal Health Office and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council of Bacnotan, Bacnotan Police Station, Philippine Coast Guard-San Juan Sub-Station, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and Provincial Information Office.
The event culminated with a recognition of the participants for their exceptional performances. In the Group Category, the Municipality of Rosario secured 1st place, closely followed by Kamandag from the City of San Fernando in 2nd place and the Municipality of Bacnotan in 3rd place. As for the Individual Category, Kenzaido and Kamandag, both from the City of San Fernando, were declared 1st and 2nd place, respectively, and the Municipality of Rosario in 3rd place. The awarding of winners will be held at the culmination of the Bulan ti Mannalon ken Mangngalap celebration on May 27 at the La Union Convention Center where they will be given certificates, plaques, and cash prizes.
The PGLU, headed by Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, remains dedicated to strengthening the agriculture and tourism sectors to become the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025. With this, Gov. Rafy encourages fisherfolks, farmers, agri-preneurs, and KaPROBINSYAnihan workers from the province’s various sectors to actively partake in La Union PROBINSYAnihan - La Union’s call for Bayanihan - to achieve the same goal.
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