143 fluvial floats glorify Agno River’s bounty and beauty
LINGAYEN—More than 100 colorful and artistically-designed fluvial floats once again cruised along the clean and revived waters of Agno river in the morning of May 1 as one of the highlight events s of 2013 Pistay Dayat merriment.
Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. led the fluvial parade dubbed “Banca Parada” that started at Sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan Norte in Lingayen and ended at the Banaga bridge in Bugallon town with a commemorative program.
It was participated in by local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs) and private businesses.
The parade was made grander this year with the dragon boat exhibitions by the Philippine Dragon Boat Association Federation (PDBAF) and Philippine Kayak Association of the Philippines.
“Isinasabuhay ng provincial government ang pagmamahal sa kalikasan sa mga activities ng Pistay Dayat ngayong taon,” Espino said.
Underscoring how the provincial government pioneered various environmental advocacies, Espino explained that the “Ilog Ko, Aroen Tan Bilayen Ko” project was launched to revive the Agno River and its tributaries and maximize it for sports, tourism and transportation.
“Most important, nilinis po natin ang mga kailugan sa probinsya para makita pa ang mga ito ng mga susunod pa na henerasyon,” he added.
The provincial government’s environmental programs has won several awards such as Likas Yaman Award by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), LGU Best Practices in Coastal Resource Management given by the Regional Development Council and the Farmer of the Year national award, Gov. Espino noted.
As he thanked the visitors and locals for taking part in the most-awaited festivity of the province, the governor recognized their participation on the programs to protect the province’s natural resources.
The Governor also shared his plans to maximize the Bañaga Bridge area in Bugallon as a “Watersports Facility of the Province”.
Towards the end of the program, PDBAF President Marcia Cristobal bestowed Espino a dragon boat replica as a token of appreciation to the provincial government.
The Banca Parada, an integral featured activity of the feast of the sea, also serves as an avenue to glorify the increased fish harvest from the Agno River and its tributaries, said Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Anna De Guzman who chairs this year’s celebration.
WINNERS
Best Decorated Fluvial Floats by the participating LGUs and barangays under category B were also recognized.
Entries from barangays of Binmaley town dominated the “Best Decorated Fluvial Float competition” Category B with Baybay Lopez as Champion (Php15,000); San Isidro Sur, 1st Runner-up (Php10,000); and Biec, 2nd Runner-up (Php5,000).
Meanwhile for the Category A, Laoac town got the championship and brought home Php20,000 and a trophy. Runners-up were: Philippine Dental Association, 1st Runner-up (Php15,000); and AMA Computer College, 2nd Runner-up (Php10,000).
All winners were also given trophies and certificates of recognition.
Consolation prizes of 5,000 each were given to the entries of Pangasinan National High School and Rotary Club.
Participating floats depicted the theme: “Linis tan Dakep na Kailugan, Dayew na Pangasinan.”
Also present during the activity were Vice Governor Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr., Board Members Vonmark Mendoza and Amadeo Espino, Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, Mayors League Pangasinan President Noel Nacar, Laoac Mayor Silverio Alarcio and BRP Gregorio del Pilar Commodore Rodolfo Tejada. (PIO/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca)
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