Balingoan Marks 74th Anniversary with Fisherfolk Tribute and Cultural Festival

Entertainment | Social Media Posted on 2026-03-07 04:26:57

BALINGOAN, Misamis Oriental — Colorful costumes, rhythmic drumbeats, and lively street performances filled the town as residents celebrated the 74th Araw ng Balingoan on March 1.

The celebration featured the 2nd Baling ni Juan Festival Dance Competition, turning the streets into a vibrant showcase of culture, unity, and pride while paying tribute to the town’s fisherfolk and local heritage.

Mayor Candy A. Unabia said the name “Balingoan” was derived from the word “baling,” which means fishnet—symbolizing the community’s main source of livelihood—while “Juan” represents the ordinary people, reflecting the town’s shared identity and unity.

“This is more than a celebration. It reflects who we are as a community when we stand together—resilient, united, and committed to something greater than ourselves,” Unabia said during her speech at the Balingoan Bus Terminal, which was temporarily converted into the festival’s main venue.

The festival’s centerpiece was the dance competition, which the mayor described as more than just a display of choreography and costumes.

“It is not simply a competition; it is a celebration of our culture, history, and identity as Balingoanons. Development is not only measured by infrastructure or numbers but by a community that is alive with culture, united in purpose, and proud of its heritage,” she said.

The celebration also included grassroots sports competitions such as chess, table tennis, badminton, and basketball, continuing programs introduced by former mayor Aaron Paul S. Unabia. According to the mayor, the local government remains committed to supporting youth development through sports and cultural initiatives.

As part of the festivities, the town honored its fisherfolk with its first fluvial parade and “bankarera,” or boat race, highlighting Balingoan’s strong maritime tradition. The parade along the shoreline, with Camiguin Island visible in the distance, underscored the vital role of the sea in the town’s economy and way of life.

Balingoan was once a barangay of Talisayan before becoming an independent municipality through Executive Order No. 490 signed by President Elpidio Quirino on February 2, 1952. The town’s charter day commemorates the dedication and perseverance of its founders.

A symbol of that history remains preserved at the municipal hall—the original guestbook signed during the town’s inauguration on March 1, 1952.

Unabia also emphasized the economic benefits of festivals and tourism, noting that increased visitor traffic helps boost local businesses, from small vendors to tourism establishments, while strengthening community ties.

Gemma Basallo, a vendor from Salay, shared that municipal events provide opportunities for small entrepreneurs to earn additional income.

“Whenever there are municipal activities, we always come here to sell. Sales vary depending on the number of buyers, but it’s still good. We’re happy there are many activities because this is where we earn our daily income,” she said, adding that earnings can reach up to P10,000 during large events.

To further promote tourism, Unabia introduced the town’s “sea-to-summit” tourism strategy, which aims to integrate coastal and upland attractions under a sustainable development framework. The plan highlights Balingoan’s beaches and dive sites, as well as upland areas suitable for trail running, mountain biking, trekking, and eco-camping.

Among the town’s key tourism destinations is Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort, which ranked among the top five destinations for foreign visitors in 2025.

Unabia emphasized that progress depends on collective effort.

“Local officials cannot do it alone. These activities became possible because of the support of our citizens, businesses, and barangay officials. This is not my victory—it is ours,” she said.

She encouraged residents to continue working with the local government and share their concerns and suggestions as the municipality moves forward.

“We are just getting started, and the best is yet to come. This is Baling ni Juan, and we are its hope,” the mayor said.

NPO News Team | PIA-PR

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