BANGUED, Abra — A sustained tradition of industry and unity is this town’s Dapil Festival’s theme in its staging this year.
Dapil Festival, coined from the term “Panagdapil” which is the traditional method to extract sugarcane juice is the brainchild of then Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos, now governor of Abra.
Originally, panagdapil is tedious and laborious but just like any other arduous labor, the fruit is sweet and satisfying. Its results are molasses, sugar, vinegar and “basi” (wine), mainly sold in town markets here and in other provinces.
The Dapil Festival is the manifestation of Bangued folk’s Filipino value of industry, said Mayor Dominic B. Valera.
Valera invites the people to celebrate and partake in the fruits of their labor not only for their individual hard work but for being socially responsive in the making of a strong community.
Highlights of the nine-day merriment that started February 15 are Mr. and Ms. Bangued, Bangued Idol Season 6, Street Dancing and Ground Demonstration Contests. Other featured activities are Trade Fair displaying native and indigenous products of Bangued, Job Fair, Food Bazaar, Fun Run, Amazing Race, Barangays Night and Grand Parade.**By Ginalyn B. Brioso
