Christmas and Town Fiesta: Double celebrations for Borbon

CEBU, Philippines – The municipality of Borbon will formally start its celebrations for Christmas and town fiesta this afternoon through the launching of Pasko ug Pista sa Silmugi.

Borbon Mayor Bernard "Butch" Sepulveda, Vice Mayor Noel Dotillos, council members, department heads, barangay officials and residents of the town will witness the ceremonial lighting.

The Pasko ug Pista sa Silmugi is a decoration contest among the residents of the town's coastal barangays such as Bingay, Campusong, Poblacion, Cadaruha, Tabunan and Tagnukan.

Different public elementary and high schools will also join this year's celebrations.

According to Sepulveda, in order to have a wider participation, the committee agreed to have a contest for barangays, individuals, households and schools.

Sepulveda said they encouraged residents of every barangay to use environmentfriendly decoration to minimize the expenses.

The mayor said that for this year, they hope to introduce more improvements with the participation of different schools.

The municipal government is now working for the development of Silmugi River as an eco-natural park in northern Cebu, a move that gained the support from Governor Gwen Garcia and the Provincial Board.

Borbon officials are also asking support from the Department of Tourism.

The town also named its local festival as the Silmugi Festival, which adds to the Capitol's program of promoting the province as a tourist destination.

Silmugi was the founder of the settlement along the river prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. There also used to be a huge tree by the river which residents called Silmugi.

The Silmugi River played a big part in Borbon's growth as it accommodates many boats. (FREEMAN)