Garcia lauds officials for "Sarok" success

CEBU, Philippines -  Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday praised Consolacion town officials and the Department of Education for the success of the Sarok Festival, one of the highlight of the town's celebration of its 91st founding anniversary on Feb. 14.

Speaking in yesterday's Sarok Festival at the Sta. Lucia Football Field in barangay Nangka, Governor Garcia said it was her first time to attend the Sarok Festival in Consolacion and described the affair as amazing.

Garcia said the Sarok Festival joined the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo last August and placed sixth place among more than 30 contingents.

Garcia congratulated Mayor Teresa Alegado, Vice Mayor Aurelio Damole and members of the municipal councils and barangay officials who pooled their resources for the success of the festival.

Garcia said that Consolacion before was a mere barangay of Mandaue City, but 91 years after, it is now a developed town and will soon become a city.

Consolacion is now a first class municipality and the administration of Mayor Alegado is now working to comply with all the requirements for cityhood.

Governor Garcia said Consolacion is one of the towns in Cebu province that responded her call to promote their festivals.

The promotion of festivals in the different municipalities in Cebu province attracts local and foreign tourists.

She assured full support to the administration of Mayor Alegado not only in promoting Consolacion festival but also its economic development.

Mayor Alegado, on the other hand, welcomed Governor Garcia's assurance of support to her administration and the development of Consolacion.

Alegado said the municipality of Consolacion is very supportive of Garcia's administration.

She cited the newly-completed bridge linking Jugan and Tayud.

Alegado also thanked barangay officials and the Deparment of Education for support.

Eleven contingents including those from Consolacion Community College participated in the street dancing.

The affair precedes the 91st founding anniversary of Consolacion as a town from a mere barangay of Mandaue City, which will be marked on February 14, known as "Adlaw sa Consolacion."

Those who joined the Sarok Festival are contingents from Consolacion Community College, Consolacion National High School, Garing National High School, Jugan National High School, Lanipga National High School, Consolacion National High School (Night Class), Pulpogan National High School, Tayud National High School, Tolotolo National High School, and Tugbungan National High School.

Consolacion is known for its sarok, a head cover made of woven bamboo strips and banana leaves.

 The weaving process takes two to three hours.

Saroks were made by farmers in the 1920s to protect themselves from the heat of the sun or the cold rain when they were doing the chores in farms.

 A 20-minute motorcycle ride from the national road is barangay Tolo-Tolo, the home of the many sarok weavers and makers of Consolacion.