The Capitol has maintained its unflinching commitment to helping develop local culture, artistry, and patrimony through the various festivals of the province.
On Thursday evening, May 16, Gov. Gwen Garcia went to the northern town of San Remigio to grace the town’s Lapyahan Festival held at the San Remigio Grandstand. She committed a total of P7.750 million in Capitol assistance to the LGU to help defray expenses.
“This isn’t about dancing; this is about developing talent, ang paghatag og kahigayonan nga ang talento, ang creativity, the artistry nga anaa kanato, tagaan og kahigayonan nga kini mapakita, ma-improve, mosaka, ma-enhance,” Gov. Garcia said in her speech, noting how much the festival has improved since her first term.
“This is really the grandest, the most colorful, as though in preparation for Pasigarbo sa Sugbo,” she added.
The seven participating contingents from clustered barangays shall receive P250,000 each, while the LGU will be given P5 million for their socio-cultural expenses.
Another P1 million has also been allocated as aid for the town’s successful participation in the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo Northern Escapade last January.
The festival name is derived from the Cebuano word “lapyahan,” which means coastline, highlighting the town’s unique asset for it is known to have the longest white sand coastline in Cebu. It is celebrated every 16th of May in honor of their patron saint, San Juan Nepomuceno.
Mayor Alfonso Pestolante expressed gratitude to the governor in behalf of his constituents.
Joining the governor at the event were fourth district Congresswoman Janice Salimbangon, Board Members Kerrie Shimura and Red Duterte, LMP President and Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, and other key municipal officials. | BJR
