by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)—The Pulangui River’s shores in Valencia City set the stage for the vibrant Gakit Festival, depicting Filipinos’ resilience and ingenuity in facing adversities.
Amidst the alluring sounds of ethnic ‘Bantola’ instruments and the rhythmic beat of gong drums, gracefully sailing bamboo rafts, locally known as Gakit, display abundant farm harvests, telling the tale of a bubbling city that once thrived despite daunting challenges.
“This festival commemorates our humble beginnings. The ‘Gakits’ ferry passengers and goods across the Pulangui River, promoting trade and friendship among Valencianos and neighboring towns,” Mayor Azucena Huervas said during the opening ceremony of the three-day festivities.
Getting all set and ready
Leontina ‘Nanay Tining’ Laviña, 91, who chairs the Valencia Bukidnon Historical and Cultural Society, emphasized that preparations began weeks before. The contingents skillfully crafted sturdy rafts with colorful ornaments, highlighting the traditions of the Manobo and Talaandig tribes in Bukidnon.
To make a Gakit, she said bamboo stalks are cut to the desired length, split into thinner strips, and tightly woven. Additional crossbeams provide extra strength. Once done, the Gakit goes through a durability test before sailing.
On the big day, July 12, excitement filled the air as 18 contingents competed. Their ‘Gakits’ sailed, adorned with fresh fruits, vegetables, root crops, and floral arrangements, among other ornaments, using indigenous and biodegradable materials.
Private companies, government agencies, clans, and civil society organizations joined the friendly race that ignited ovations as the ‘Gakits’ flaunted at the Pulangui River with thrills and spills of getting wet if balance is not maintained while onboard.
Bliss and gratitude brimmed as spectators cheered in awe while rafts skillfully navigated through rough waters.
People of all ages came to witness the festival, which pays homage to the Pulangui River and Gakit’s rich history and is themed ”Balik-lantaw, Panagtigum, ug Pagpasalamat’ (Looking back, Gathering, and Thanksgiving).
Recognizing these commendable efforts, Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan of the Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 thanked the city government for allocating a P3 million budget for the event.
She also vowed to pitch in funds to help promote ecotourism that attracts investors.
“Valencia is now one of the premier cities in Northern Mindanao. The city government first introduced the Gakit Festival in 2017 as a part of the annual Charter Day events. Now it officially begins as a unique grand gathering under the law,” Unchuan declared.
Conquest of endurance and creativity
In a riveting display of unshakable willpower and creativity, three contingents representing categories A, B, and C were declared grand champions, each receiving a P50,000 prize.
The Gakit parade organizers divided the 18 entries into three categories: Government agencies (Category A), Private companies (Category B), and Clans/Civil society organizations (Category C).
Another three contingents clad in finely crafted outfits reflecting the courage and prowess of their forebears placed 2nd with P30,000 for each team.
Three more groups took the 3rd place. Each team received P20,000, while nine remaining contingents received P10,000 each.
Nurturing cultural pride
In the spirit of keeping a treasured heritage, Mayor Huervas reiterated the crucial role of the Pulangui River, which has earned its identity as ‘The City of Golden Harvest.’
“This is where we get our electricity. It lights up Bukidnon and other areas of Mindanao. We should keep our riverbanks clean and green as we preserve our culture and promote ecotourism,” the mayor urged.
Amelia Catarata Bojo, a trailblazing educator, is widely recognized as an essayist who connects Valencia town—now a city—to its roots. She vividly recalls the days when ‘Gakits’ played a crucial role in their daily lives.
“Both Gakit and the Pulangui River mean a lot to us. They bring joy and high hopes to our farmers who eagerly await the ‘halin’ (sales) of their abundant harvests upstream from the ‘comprador’ (buyers),” Bojo said as she reminisced those days when Gakits were once the transportation lifeline in Valencia.
‘Gakiting’ portrays Valencianos’ resilience and ‘Diskarte’ to hurdle obstacles, inspiring the Filipino people with endurance and ingenuity. (RLRB/PIA-10/Bukidnon, with reports from JMC)
