AFTER being changed by the municipal council, the festival in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island now has a new and official name, the “Panuhug Festival.”
The Sangguniang Bayan previously adopted the name “Puting Baybay Festival” to highlight the town’s wealth and beauty, particularly its white sand beaches.
However, the council realized that it was equally important to prioritize the livelihood of the residents, such as the shell crafts or the "panuhug."
Additionally, the town is abundant with a variety of seashells that can be used as decorations or food items for significant occasions.
"Shell craft industry making had been one of the main sources of livelihood of Santafehanons in the past and such industry is still striving up to now," according to the ordinance, which was signed by the mayor recently.
The local government officials have been ordered to inform the public about the new development.
The residents are advised not to refer to the fiesta event by any name other than the "Panuhug Festival." (ANV, TPT)