by: Claro A. Lanipa
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, June 18 (PIA) – The province of
Zamboanga Sibugay will celebrate its first Sibugsay Festival, it’s a weeklong
festivities that will start on June 25,
2012 to July 1, 2012 with the theme “Our Sibugay, Our Tomorrow.”
SIBUGSAY
is a Subanen term and is a combination of two verbs – SIBUG which means to move
forward and BUGSAY means to paddle. Combined, it means “to move forward by
paddling together.” It also encompasses three important word: SIBUG/say
(to move), Si/BUGSAY (to paddle)
and SIBUG (s)AY (the province).
History
speaks, that during the early years the province used to be the territory of the natives
called Subanens who dwelt along riverbanks and shorelines. Sibugay is a coastal
province with 13 of its 16 municipalities are located in the coastal areas.
Sibugsay
means that Sibugaynons are in the same boat, wherein everyone is called to
actively take part in paddling this boat to reach the common destiny. The
paddle represents a pro-ecology symbol, since it is the traditional way of
steering and moving the boat through human effort alone- hence, free from
bunker fuel pollution.
Governor
Rommel Jalosjos said, the celebration first and foremost encourages Sibugaynons
to be ecology conscious for the sake of future generations. And secondly, needs
the active participation of everyone (People’s Organizations, Non-Government
Organizations, Government Organizations, Private Sector, Business Sector,
Academe, and Religious Sector among others) for the general progress of
Sibugay.
Series
of activities have been prepared with emphasis on pro-ecology to include -
clean and green drive during the festival through mangrove tree planting and
cleaning along riverbanks, shorelines, esteros, side streets, lawns of houses,
schools or offices; backyard vegetable garden contest; fluvial parade and
annual paddle racing to raise environmental community consciousness; street
dancing competitions based on the annual theme connected to Sibugay concept;
cultural presentations and exhibits intended for cultural preservation.
Elementary,
high school, college and professional essay writing contest based on current
theme; awarding of institutions and individuals for best ecological promotion
and practices, selection of the cleanest municipality in the province and
cleanest barangay in Ipil; beautification, most beautiful floral garden and
waste segregation around the provincial capitol perimeters participated by the
different provincial departments; search for Diwata ng Sibugay, and sports
activities, among others. (CAL/PIA9)