AUGUST 25, 2018. It is Pagatpat Festival... a mangrove fiesta wherein Japanese visitors, residents of Silay, and lovers of the environment converge in Barangay Balaring, “the seafood capital” of Silay, to honor the role of mangroves in protecting our shoreline.
As volunteer assistant director of Ikaw-Ako (Japan-Philippines Partnership for Environmental Protection), I provided the rationale behind the celebration of the 14th Pagatpat Festival.
Professor Yorihisa Goto of Nikon Fokushi University in Japan took time with Leo Canson (Ikaw-Ako chairman in Silay) and me to organize a festival with a Filipino taste to encourage people to work for the rehabilitation of the mangrove.
Our coordinator Mari Kurata and Punong Barangay Remy Roldan came up with ideas on how to make this year’s festival exciting.
Mayor Mark Golez supported the event and in his message said that our Japanese partners worked hard in helping Silay City to be an advocate of environmental change.
“You have strengthened and developed friendship among Japanese and Filipino people through your love and passion to guard the environment.”
There was a search for Pagatpat Queen participated by the beautiful and talented ladies of Barangay Balaring who took time in their busy schedule to do regular mangrove seedling planting and growing (sustained effort).
It is coupled with regular clean-up drive and clean and green competition in coordination with Balaring Mangrove Planters’ Association (Bampa).
Our members are considered as the “guardians of the mangrove.”
Other events include Pagatpat Dance Contest, a ritual on how to safeguard Mother Mangrove to protect the community and to keep the area as sanctuary for variety of fish and shell.
There were parlor games created by the Filipino and Japanese students. This provided best form of interaction for the residents and the visiting Japanese students and their teachers.
“Zumba de Pagatpat” was a special number for healthy body and mind. Those who were these enjoyed many kilos of rice during the raffle draw facilitated by Ikaw-Ako and Silay City Government.
The last activity was mangrove seedling planting participated by the different upland and lowland NGOs organized by Ikaw-Ako. The government employees were also there spearheaded by Ching Ledesma of the Environment Office.
That massive mangrove planting ended with Seafood Fiesta as part of the event organized by the Japanese for the participating events.
Food hopping exploration was hosted by Melkens, Mechaela’s and Floating Restaurant. The Japs Enjoyed mixed seafood and mangoes. The festival provided the week-long visit of the Japs an opportunity to visit Silay tourist attractions and wonderful emersion in our schools.
Plant pagatpat for life! Thank you for the partnership!