PARACELIS, Mtn. Province – Amidst the diversity of acknowledged 12 tribes in this easternmost municipality of the province, the first Kakarefin Festival was staged well without any hassle at the Butigue Sports Complex cum evacuation center.
The Kakarefin Festival is a celebration of splendid cultural and traditional practices that include agricultural and modern game events; conceptualized by Mayor Marcos Ayangwa in the previous administration but the staging was stalled by the COVID 19 pandemic.
Commencing last June 10 and culminated in June 16, 2023 with street dancing and cultural presentations, Kakarefin Festival literally refer to mean “holding hands together” that manifests unity among the acknowledged 12 tribes of the place.
The parade, drum and lyre competition among schools, inter-agency choral competition, and inter-barangay sports games, among others were highlighted in the opening ceremonies last June 10.
On June 11, the opening of the tourism and agro-industrial trade fair and the concert for a cause were conducted and on the third day, pre-pageant competition locally called the “intara’nga iyyadan anna abbassilelaw na Parasilit highlighted the day in coincidence with the Philippine Independence Day commemoration.
Farmers’ Day, Paracelis got talent, and agri-tourism float parade were the events on June 13 while Paracelis Tourism and Cultural Day were on the 14th. Ethnic fashion show was also conducted. Mural painting which was also a highlight of the day was another featured event.
Kakarefin Fun Run, health and wellness day, and tree planting at Simma’bot were features of the 6th day, June 15.
June 16 was the Foundation Day of the municipality. A program was conducted after the street dancing and cultural presentations cum competition commemorated the birth of the municipality that became a distinct and separate municipality from nearby Natonin in 1942.
“Paracelis is one big story. . . its rich and unique history is a trip from a challenging past to a hopeful future”, said Mayor Ayangwa.
With the theme Eyeing Transformation and Embracing Change Towards Unity, Resiliency, and Development”, the celebration of the 61 Foundation Day and 1st Kakarefin Festival showcased through various activities the unique culture, traditions, and heritage of the town..
Atty. Gelacio Bongngat, Regional Director of the National Bureau of Investigation in the South Eastern Mindanao Region, was the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
Present were Vice Mayor Djarma Rafael and all the municipal councilors.** Roger Sacyaten
