Consolacion gives honors

CEBU, Philippines - The Municipal Government of Consolacion will honor business establishments and individuals who have contributed to the development of the town, said Mayor Teresa Alegado.

The event will be the highlight of the Sarok Festival of Consolacion on February 14, 2012. The festival will be participated in by students from Consolacion Community College, as well as high schools and elementary schools students in the town.

The Sarok Festival in itself is the highlight of the 92nd founding anniversary of the town dubbed as “Adlaw sa Consolacion.” The town used to be just a barangay of Mandaue City. Today, Consolacion is considered a first class municipality and Alegado said the business sector that has paid taxes religiously is a major factor in this achievement.

“Dako gayud kaayo og natabang sa kalambuan sa atong lungsod sa Consolacion ang mga dagkong patigayun ug ingon man mga negosyante sa lungsod,” Alegado said.

She cited the on-going construction of SM Mall in Barangay Lamac, which is seen to generate more income to Consolacion and address the unemployment problem of the town and its neighboring towns and cities.

Representative Gabriel “Luigi” Quisumbing, Governor Gwen Garcia, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, and Board Members Thadeo Ouano and Arleigh Sitoy have been invited to the event.

Alegado said 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 did chores at their farms.

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

The Sarok Festival is an annual festivity in Consolacion celebrated every February 14. A highlight of the festival is the street dancing competition that is being participated in by different primary and secondary schools in the municipality. (FREEMAN)