Abellanosa wants brgy festivals institutionalized

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Jose Lorenzo R. Abellanosa is seeking to institutionalize barangay festivals, saying these celebrations are vital to preserving Cebu’s cultural heritage, strengthening community identity, and promoting local tourism and livelihood.

Abellanosa said properly organized festivals can showcase local traditions and culinary specialties while creating economic opportunities for micro and small enterprises and promoting Cebu City’s historical identity.

In a proposed ordinance, Abellanosa seeks to give formal recognition and sustained city government support to annual festivities, including the Siomai Festival in Tisa, Puso Festival in Inayawan, Tuslob Buwa Festival in Pasil, Banauan Festival in Guadalupe, and Buwad Festival in San Nicolas.

Each festival highlights a distinct aspect of Cebuano life, from food traditions and religious devotion to commerce, making them important cultural touchstones for their respective communities.

Tisa’s Siomai Festival, held every September, celebrates the barangay’s famed street food alongside its devotion to San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Inayawan’s Puso Festival honors San Agustin de Hippo while showcasing Cebu’s iconic hanging rice.

Pasil’s Tuslob Buwa Festival is rooted in a communal dish made from pig’s brain and liver and has become a symbol of resilience and culinary heritage.

Guadalupe’s Banauan Festival reflects Marian devotion associated with the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Meanwhile, San Nicolas’ Buwad Festival, celebrated every April 28, commemorates the Kaplag, or discovery of the Santo Niño image in 1565, while highlighting the dried-fish trade at Taboan Market.

Under the proposed measure, the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission and the Cebu City Tourism Office will establish a registry and calendar of major barangay festivals to ensure their documentation, promotion, and coordination with city services.

Barangays included in the registry will be required to form Festival Committees to prepare programs, manage logistics, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and ordinances.

The city government may provide financial, technical, and promotional assistance, with funding to be included annually in appropriations for city-sponsored activities.

The proposal has been referred to the Committee on Laws, Barangay Affairs, and Tourism for review, consultation, and possible refinements before being returned to the City Council for plenary approval. — /FPL (FREEMAN)