Mutual Benefits

By Johanne Margarette R. Macob

JUMP went the school of fishes… and it felt great to witness that.

I had my first Banca Parada experience just a few days back. For those who aren’t familiar with the event, Banca Parada is a grand parade of boats in the province, and is one of the main attractions during the annual Pista’y Dayat.

Fortunately, I did not only cover the event from a distance but I was able to board one of the more than a hundred boats that joined the splendid fluvial parade. The boats themselves — with all their colors and sea creature designs – were a sight to behold. Still, there’s this view that’s way appealing to the eye more than anything else — that of the river itself.

We sailed for about an hour, traversing a village in Lingayen towards Bugallon, but despite the sun’s penetrating heat, I personally enjoyed the ride. I did like the sound of the drum and bugle aboard a raft warbling Pangasinan native songs. I was delighted with the sight of happy faces aboard the motorboats and speedboats, and of those watching the parade from a distance. And right then and there, I fell in love with the river, the Agno River. I fell in love with the clean water, and the river bounty which comes from this clean water.

Jump went the school of fishes… and I was totally amazed. If we are celebrating Pista’y Dayat to express our gratitude for our aquaculture bounty, then it felt to me like that simultaneous jump was the fishes’ way of thanking the people who have helped clean their home. It may sound melodramatic, but honestly, that was how I saw it.

Thanks to the now clean river. Thanks to the now supportive public. Thanks to the political will of Gov. Amado Espino Jr. The steps toward achieving this clean river have been long and tedious, involving massive clean-ups and removal of illegal fish pens and fish cages. But, seeing the results more than make up for all the difficulties met along the way.

Jump went the school of fishes… and it reminded us that we should keep on doing our part. The good start has been ignited and what we only need to do is help out in maintaining the present state, even without prizes and incentives to offer. Let us remember that the clean river creates a good domino effect. It boosts tourism for offering a scenic view, promotes the environmental sustainability and boosts the province’s aquaculture. These reasons alone should be are more than enough to discern what we should do and should not.

Jump went the school of fishes….. And yes, I am excited for my next Banca Parada experience and for the next ‘jumps’ I have yet to witness.

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