Balik-Baroto Movement to mark 10th anniversary with boat race
In line with its 10th founding anniversary celebration, the men behind the Balik-Baroto Movement will be staging a cash-rich boat race on October 12, a six-kilometer action along the coastal waters off Talisay City starting and ending at Larawan beach resort in Barangay Poblacion.
The commemorative event was formally launched yesterday by former Customs District Collector David “Kuya Boy” Odilao, Jr. and Tuburan Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante Jr., the founding fathers of BalikBaroto Movement that sailed off for its maiden voyage on October 12, 2008.
“Kining Balik-Baroto, dapat atong hangpon ug suportaan labi na karong panahona nga mahal na kaayo gasolina. Ato sab nga dasigon ang atong mananagat nga mobalik na sila sa baroto kay bugsay ug layag ra. Usa sab kini sa mga paagi nga makatabang ta pag-preserba sa atong kalikupan,” said Mayor Diamante, who is also the president of League of Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP)Manny Cebu Chapter, in a press conference at Kuya J’s restaurant in SM Seaside City.
Balik-Baroto’s endeavor is so unique and laudable as it gives the marginalized fishermen a rare chance to be in the limelight for a worthy cause.
“As we know, the Baroto was the means of transportation during the early times using paddles and sail to power the two-man boat,” said Odilao, the acknowledged ‘Father of Sinulog’ among his many undertakings with cultural and historical significance. “This is one of the main reasons why we are holding this activity as a reminder of the heritage that our forefathers started and further focus our concern to the marginalized fishermen.”
For their upcoming race supported by the Province of Cebu under the flagship of Governor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III and Talisay LGU behind the leadership of Mayor Eduardo “Eddiegul” R. Gullas, close to P150,000 in cash prize will be given away to the winners.
Aside from trophies, the champion will also pocket P30,000, while the second to fourth placers receive P25,000, P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000, respectively.
The sixth to 10th will get P3,000 each, while the 11th to 25th will take home P2,000 apiece.
(EBV)