Province lauds Consolacion on Sarok success

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Government will continue its support to the yearly Sarok Festival in Consolacion town, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale assured.

Speaking on Governor Hilario Davide III's behalf at the opening rites the other day, Magpale lauded the town officials of Consolacion in their staging of the annual Sarok Festival for giving importance to the preservation of heritage and culture, which is one of the provincial government's thrusts.

Magpale said Davide's administration is giving importance to the preservation of Cebu's culture, describing the province as a gateway to a very rich Filipino heritage and culture in the south.

Promoting Cebu as a cultural destination needs the support of the local officials, Magpale noted.

For her part, Mayor Teresa Alegado said she was happy with the support given by the provincial government to the Sarok Festival activity every year. She pointed out that endorsing Sarok Festival is not only for culture and heritage but also for people's livelihood.

On the other day's festival, the contingent Tribu Tayuranon of Tayud Elementary School was declared champion under the elementary category, while under the high school category, the combined forces of Consolacion National High School day and night classes emerged champion.

Both received P30 thousand each as their prize.

The Sarok Festival is a street dance competition participated by different primary and secondary schools in the municipality.

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

Saroks were made by farmers in the 1920s to protect themselves from the heat of the sun or the cold rain while at work in their farms.