CATBALOGAN CITY — In a vibrant ceremony at Nana Manuela’s Place on February 21, 2024, Catbalogan City celebrated the official turnover of a coffee table book highlighting the ‘Manaragat’ Festival.
Dubbed as “Pagkarawat han Libro,” the event saw City Mayor Dexter Uy and Mr. Ador Hurtado receiving the first copies, which were then distributed to the event’s distinguished guests and stakeholders.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the documentation project titled “Pagtilitol ngan Pagtimon: Tracing the History and Navigating the Impacts of 20 years of Manaragat Festival.”
This milestone was made possible through a grant funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under its Lunsod Lunsad Program.
Catbalogan City’s project stood out as the sole grant recipient in Eastern Visayas, reflecting the DTI program’s goal of supporting innovative initiatives from Philippine cities that harness creative resources for economic and cultural development.
The successful realization of this project was a result of the collaborative efforts of Dr. Rolando Borrinaga, a distinguished historian and writer; Mr. Aaron Almadro, an expert in media, marketing, advertising, and design; and Mr. Gianfranco Morciano, a skilled photographer, videographer, and director.
Led by City Mayor Dexter Uy through the Catbalogan City Tourism, Culture, Arts & Information Office (CTCAIO), the project aimed to delve into the city’s origins and explore the impacts of two decades of the Manaragat Festival. This festival has been a cornerstone celebration, showcasing the city’s rich culture, history, and advocacy.
The launch event was attended by members of the Local Culture & Arts Council of Catbalogan City (LCAC), the Catbalogan City Tourism Council (CTC), as well as various stakeholders and partners.
The ceremony, coinciding with National Arts Month (NAM) celebration, underscored the festival’s twenty-year journey, highlighting its dual advocacies of cultural preservation and environmental protection. These advocacies have been instrumental in shaping Catbalogan’s identity as ‘people of the sea’.
The event served as a testament to the city’s commitment to its cultural heritage and its dedication to advancing its creative and cultural sectors for the benefit of its residents and visitors alike.
