LGU Lagonoy preps up for Samhod Festival 2018

PIA
13 Mar 2018

NAGA CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- More than keeping the tradition alive, the local government unit of Lagonoy wished to preserve and maintain the source of livelihood that kept most of their constituents afloat while showcasing the best raw material that makes up a hard-wearing and durable soft broom.

Lagonoy Municipal Tourism Officer Gerard "JJ" Pilapil in a press conferenceFridayat the SM City Naga enjoins the members of the media to support the decade long celebration of Lagonoy's Samhod Festival in cognizance of their One-Town-One-Stop Product (OTOP) and to promote awareness to the many scenic spots that tourists can visit and leisurely spend their time with.

"We would like to welcome everyone to our humble town and invite them to experience not just the hospitality of its people but also the natural attractions that we can offer. We want every locale to know, including those from Naga City that Lagonoy's tourists spots are a must-see especially now that the summer season already kicked in."

In a message delivered by Arts Culture Tourism Office (ACTO) Chief Alec Santos, City Mayor John Bongat also reiterated Lagonoy's potential to earn the attention of both local and foreign tourists citing the many natural wonders that abounds in the municipality.

"With Lagonoy blessed immensely with the abundance of natural resources, it only follows that Lagonoy has a rich and interesting history, and an equally rich and interesting culture as evidenced by their Samhod Festival.As with the rest of Bicol, tourism has made a crucial role in the growth of Naga's economy," the message reads.

Lagonoy Municipal Tourism Officer Gerard "JJ" Pilapil lines up the various activities in connection with the Samhod festival happening fromApril 25 to May 1, 2018

Samhod,a local term referring to the soft broom orwalis,remains one the thriving economic sources of Lagonoy townsfolk. Its raw materials, the tiger grass abounds in the rich soil of the said municipality. Through the years, the product's identity somehow lost its uniqueness and distinctiveness when its raw materials were brought outside of Lagonoy , packaged into a finished soft broom product and sold in the metropolis with misleading brandings, with no trace of its origin.

Lagonoy Mayor Delfin F. Pilapil III wished to win back this identity and revive the almost "dying" cottage industry through the annual celebration of Samhod Festival. The said activity will commence onApril 25and will wrap up onMay 1.

Activities lined up for the upcoming festival include the Search for Ms. Samhod, drag race, a celebrity concert, and local delicacies and product's booth among others. (LSMacatangay-PIAV/Camarines Sur)