Scene Stealer - Maitum's Bangsi Festival
Saturday, February 11, 2012
MAITUM, a small municipality in Sarangani Province with a quaint name (maitum in native dialect means black, pertaining to legendary tales of black stones near one of its rivers), is richly blessed with natural resources and ancient finds. This quiet municipality is a tourist destination to watch out for.
It boasts of four major rivers with Pangi River winning 2nd runner-up Cleanest Inland Body of Water in the country in 2003. Apart from its unspoiled marine wealth and lush rainforest, Maitum holds a place in history for being the site of significant archaeological discoveries called Maitum Anthropomorphic Potteries.
If you’re hot for some ancient artifacts that date back to primitive times, go to the Municipal Hall in the Poblacion and see the "Maitum Jars," amazing ancient burial pots discovered in the caves which records existence of prehistoric civilization in these areas.
Barangay New La Union provides exhilarating 1.5-kilometer River Tubing Adventure. Not quite ready for the adrenaline rush? Then meet the slowpokes in the Pawikan Nesting Sanctuary in Old Poblacion. In every turn you will find lots of nature tripping activities to enjoy in this municipality.
Each year the colorful Bangsi Festival (5th this year) entices a lot of visitors and photographers on a safari during this festivity. This festival is held every January in tribute to the fisherfolks who catch the popular bangsi (flying fish marinated deliciously to become the dried bulad or daing), which is the municipality’s pride and top fish produce.
This year’s theme is “Yamang Dagat Pahalagahan, Kalikasan Pangalagaan”, emphasizing the valuable role of the fishing industry and bountiful sea as livelihood of the community, and the responsibility to preserve and protect their environment.
Bangsi has become a most sought after pasalubong for visitors and tourists, and has boosted the morale of coastal families who depend on this fish for a living.
Apart from the coastal cleanup, highlights were a Streetdancing Competition, Sand Sculpture, Banca Race, Trade Fair, Drum and Lyre Competition, Ms. Teen Maitum 2012, cooking contest, night parties, Amazing Race and the Maitum Photo Safari, among others.
Maitum can be reached within 2 hours drive on good road from General Santos City. Gracing the town’s humble celebration with Maitum Mayor Elsie Perrett were Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez, Vice Governor Steve Solon and Congressman Manny Pacquiao, among other noted personalities. Award winning photojournalist Rhonson Ng joined the Photo Safari and shares with you the colors of Bangsi Festival.
