Apo Island holds 1st “dagatnon tanggapa festival”

The first Kinaiyahan Dagatnon Tanggapa Festival in honor of St. Vicent Ferrer was celebrated at Apo Island, in Dauin, Negros Oriental recently.

One of  the  highlights  of  the  event was  a  fluvial  procession  around  the  island  and a  symbolic offering  to  the  patron  saint  for  a bountiful harvest of fish and success in mat-weaving,  organizers led by Barangay Chairwoman,  Liberty Pascobillo-Rhodes  of  Apo Island,  said.

The  festival  focused on  the  wonders  and gifts  of  mother nature  through the rich  marine  resources, she said, adding that seven puroks in the island participated in activities.  

Tanggapa  is  an old  Visayan  word  for  corals that  can  be  found  around  the  Apo Island sanctuary, Rhodes  said. Dauin Mayor Rodrigo  Alanano  suggested  the holding of a  fluvial procession and the Kinaiyahan Dagatnon Tanggapa Festival.

Meanwhile, Alanano said the establishment of a turtle  sanctuary in   one  of  the  fishing  areas in Katipanan Point,  Apo Island is being considered but he will first meet with Mario  Pascobillo,  Bantay  Dagat  head to discuss the proposal.

Rhodes  sought  his help  to  declare  the   place as  turtle  sanctuary, Alanano  said.

The  preservation of  sea  turtles  is  very important   but  they  also  need  to consider  the  livelihood  of  the   fishermen  in  the island, the  mayor  said. 

Although they are eyeing declaring of the Katipanan  Point  as a   turtle  sanctuary, Alanano  said they  will  leave  enough  area   for  fishing.

Roberto Mendez  of the Bantay  Dagat said that two months ago, they found  at   least  30  newly hatched sea turtles along  the coastline  of  Katipanan point.

Three  years  ago,  there  were  at least   two pairs  of  sea  turtles  seen  in  the  area,   but  at  present,  based  on  the   testimonies  of  divers  at least  50  sea  turtles can be  found  in  the place, Rhodes  said.*MA

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