by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Guest resource persons shown (l to r) are Ramon Quimpo, Jr., Gerwin L. Garcia, Teodorico T. Salas, and Edwin Ramos - moderator.
Kalibo’s celebration of its patronal Saint John the Baptist is fixed every June 24th. This year, the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Tourism Council (KATC), holding to tradition for the past 16 years, will sponsor a 6-day food festival. At the weekly Kapihan on June 11 held at Smokehauz Resto & Bar, Teodorico T. Salas, Chairman, KATC, Gerwin L. Garcia, Auditor, and Ramon Quimpo, Jr. – PRO discussed the advantages of the Food Festival.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino said that religious significance is very evident in the way the celebration is held such as thanksgiving mass, prayer and merrymaking splash or plunge into the river. St. John, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth was the forerunner of Jesus Christ and baptized people in the river Jordan.
Quimpo disclosed the theme of celebration which is, "Kalibo Food Festival Goes Green", an advocacy targeting environmental awareness and protection. Food festival runs from June 18-23 at Magsaysay Park offering delectable native and foreign cuisine for various customers. Night life will be perked up with non stop live band concert notably Brownman Revival, a talented group of performers from Manila. Local bands from Iloilo, Capiz, and Boracay will complement and cater to young audience. Show starts at 5:00 pm until 1:00 am. Kalibo PNP will provide full security detail and assistance.
Salas said that on opening day June 18, mass will be offered at Kalibo Cathedral followed by a motorcade in the afternoon. An evening opening program and concert will feature the Brownman Revival band. A modest entrance fee of P100 per customer is charged to cover the cost of contracting the entertainers. Experience from past events tell half of the patrons came from nearby provinces and tourists from Boracay.
The food festival is geared to promote and develop the tourism industry not only of Kalibo but also Aklan says Garcia. For the same event in the past, KATC was adjudged the best performing Tourism Council for several years by Department of Tourism (DOT), Region 6. He mentioned that farm and garden planting materials can be procured from displays of ornamental plants and fruit trees seedlings.
KATC, an NGO registered with SEC and accredited by DOT is performing excellently in promoting tourism in coordination with other NGOs and GOs. However, KATC is required to pay taxes in the amount of P3,745. Special tax on income receipts of hotels and lodging houses for the duration of the event removes any incentive because hoteliers pay business taxes on yearly basis.
This is frivolous and non-sensical. Since its members are businessmen and hoteliers will the LGU levy taxes? KATC is composed of businessmen who are partners in development and to engage in this challenging and strenuous activity may not be commensurate with cherished goals. Is our action only driven by love of money? There is a need for the Committee on Tourism headed by Hon. Mark Sy to look into the facts and make restitution.
Food festivals include binakol, inubaran, papait, and kaldereta are favorites of food gourmets. Preparation by booth owners are meant to tickle the palate and pocket of connoisseurs. It comes with a price though since convivial atmosphere at the park is perked up by music, hip hop dancing, drinks, color and camaraderie. Dining out for the whole family is encouraged in clean, entertaining, and healthy ambiance. Minors must not be served alcoholic beverages, smoking ban and anti-littering strictly enforced. Take home counters in line with the theme will make use of biodegradable materials.
Tourism is a big dollar earner drawing domestic and foreign visitors to our shores. Holding food festivals is one effective tool to develop our cultural identity as a people hence the need for total cooperation and commitment. KATC is paving the way since it is viable, non partisan, non-sectarian, and service-oriented. To its officers and members, we wish you more power and success. /MP
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