BRIGHTS FOR MAYON Students from Daraga Community College dressed in bright orange Filipiniana costumes perform at Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay, amid the backdrop of Mount Mayon, during the opening of the monthlong Cagsawa Festival celebration on Saturday. 鈥擬ichael B. Jaucian
DARAGA, ALBAY, Philippines 鈥� The organizers and municipal government of Daraga in Albay on Saturday opened the monthlong Cagsawa Festival at the iconic Cagsawa Ruins Park, marking the 15th year of celebrating the locals鈥� capability to rise above calamities.
Albay Acting Gov. Glenda Ong Bongao, in her speech, highlighted the cultural and historical importance of the Cagsawa Ruins, stressing it symbolizes resilience, faith and the distinct identity of Albayanos.
鈥淲hen people think of Albay, one of the first things that come to mind鈥攁side from Mayon Volcano鈥攊s the Cagsawa Ruins. It is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic symbols of our province,鈥� Bongao said.
READ: For Albayanos, Cagsawa is symbol of identity
The Cagsawa Ruins stand as a major historic landmark in the province, showing only what was left of the Cagsawa Church鈥檚 belfry when the church was buried during Mayon鈥檚 most destructive eruption in 1814, burying the then town of Cagsawa and leaving some 1,200 people dead.
Bongao also congratulated the local government of Daraga for organizing the festival for 15 years, despite challenges like natural disasters and economic difficulties.
Beyond historic
Daraga is among the areas at the slopes of Mount Mayon that have to bear the brunt every time the volcano gets restive. Residents on and near the slopes of the active volcano are also at risk from lahar flows and landslides during typhoons and are often the first to be evacuated.
The festival, which was started in 2012 by the Albay and Daraga governments, is more than just a cultural and historical event commemorating the 301st year since the 1814 eruption of the volcano, said Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.
鈥淭he Cagsawa Festival is not only about remembering history, it is about celebrating the resilience of the people. It symbolizes how Albayanos rise above disasters, rebuild and continue to thrive despite the challenges,鈥� Salceda said in an interview at the sidelines of the opening rites.
Salceda noted that over the years, Albay has faced numerous natural disasters, including typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Despite these adversities, the province and its people have continually adapt and thrive.
Bongao and Salceda were among local officials led by Daraga Acting Mayor Jungie Jaucian who attended Saturday鈥檚 opening Mass at the Cagsawa Ruins officiated by Fr. Francisco Capil. Also present were Tourism-Bicol Director Herbie Aguas and Sen. Imee Marcos.
For Marcos, the festival 鈥渋s not only a celebration but a way of giving importance to culture,鈥� noting that 鈥渄espite the destruction brought by Mount Mayon with its fiery eruptions, the beauty of Cagsawa remains admirable and magnificent.鈥�
The festival鈥檚 activities include cultural performances, trade fairs, sports tournaments and environmental initiatives.