DUMANJOG — It’s a happy fiesta here indeed for the undisputed Home of Governors.
One of this town’s highly honored daughters, Gov. Gwen Garcia, graced the ritual showdown of Bisnok Festival on the evening of October 3, and made pledges that have an accumulated worth of P7.6 million.
The governor was welcomed by Mayor Efren Guntrano “Gungun” Gica and Vice Mayor Erwin “Wado” Gica at the Cebu Technological University Campus grounds where eight contingents battled it out on the grand stage.
Gov. Gwen was so impressed with the individual performances that she said the Capitol will allocate P500,000 for each of the eight contingents to help defray their expenses; while P2 million has been earmarked as subsidy for the LGU’s socio-cultural activities.
On top of these, the top three winning contingents will also receive a special prize from the Capitol: P500,000 for the third prize winner; P800,000 for the second prize winner; and P1 million for the first prize winner.
The five non-winning contingents, moreover, did not go home empty-handed as the Capitol also set aside P500,000 for each of them for their infrastructure projects.
“Sultian ko kamo nga ang akong nakita karong gabhiona, misamot ang akong garbo isip Dumangjuganon,” the governor said. “Gikan ni Gwen Garcia, ang gobernador nga taga Dumanjug!”
“Bisnok,” which is short for “Bisayang Manok” of native Cebuano chicken, is a famous delicacy in this southwestern town. It is held in honor of the town patron Saint Francis of Assisi whose fiesta is celebrated here every October 4.
Joining in the festivities were Alegria Mayor Gilberto Magallon and his wife, Vice Mayor Verna Magallon; as well as Moalboal Vice Mayor Paz Rozgoni, and the entire slate of the town’s municipal council. | Babie Jane Revecoy