Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu festival held today

CEBU - At least 15 contingents and 17 floats from different barangays in Lapu-Lapu City will participate in the 8th Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu Festival today.

Before the event, which is one of the highlights of the city fiesta celebration in honor of Virgen dela Regla on November 20-21, a parade will be held at 1 p.m. The Lapu-Lapu City Central School grounds will be the assembly area.

Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Leo Mercado, chairman of this year’s activity, said the festival is one of Lapu-Lapu City’s efforts to promote the local tourism.

 Mercado said the parade will have floats with dancing contingents that will depict and exhibit the rich culture of every barangay in the city.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza introduced the festival in 2000 in coordination of the ABC, Sangguniang Kabataan and Fiesta Executive Committee chairman Paz Radaza.

According to Mercado, the Garbo festival contributes to the development of the city through tourism as different barangays will promote their products and beautiful places.

He said it will be different from other festivals in the country.

The best decorated and most symbolic floats with dancing contingents from barangay councils and Sangguniang Kabataan of the 30 barangays in the city will be awarded.

Mercado said awards for float category are P30,000 for first prize, P25,000 for second prize and P15,000 for third prize. A consolation prize of P5,000 will be given to each non-winning contingent.

For Pasahalad Category (Mardi Gras), first prize will have P50,000; second -prize, P30,000; and third prize, P15,000. A consolation prize of P5,000 will also be given to non-winning contingents.

The festival queen will receive P4,000; first runner-up, P3,000; and second runner-up, P2,000. Non-winning contestants will be given P500 each. – Jose P. Sollano/LPM (THE FREEMAN)