Activities Lined up for Bataan Pawikan Festival

It's all systems go for this year's Bataan Pawikan Festival, the Provincial Tourism Office here announced on Monday.

The Pawikan Festival is an annual event in the province to promote caring for marine turtles.

Arch. Techie Banzon, Bataan tourism head, said they have finalized the schedule of events for November 30 and December 1 at the Pawikan Conservation Center in Nagbalayong, seaside village in Morong town.

"There is already a go-signal from Gov. Albert Garcia and her mother, Mrs. Vicky Garcia, Bataan Tourism Council Foundation chair, in coordination with the Morong municipal government headed by Mayor Jorge Estanislao," Banzon said.

The festival starts with a fun run at 5:30 a.m. on November 30 in Nagbalayong, followed by the opening ceremony at the Pawikan Center.

The much-awaited event which is the releasing of hatchlings at the shore adjacent to the West Philippines Sea, comes in next.

Various activities were lined-up on the first day such as opening of the trade fair and different contests like kite flying, sand sculpture, poster-making, paddle painting, beach volleyball and cook fest, among others.

A "capture those moment" photo contest follows with three winners getting P1,500; P1,000 and P700, respectively.

A cultural show and night patrol in chance encounter with marine turtles on the beach will surely tickle the imagination of visitors.

The second day kicks off with a walk for a cause at 5 a.m. from Nagpaho Crossing to the Pawikan Center.

After a program, pawikan hatchlings will again be released to the West Philippines Sea, formerly the South China Sea.

A street dancing competition, to be participated in by 11 towns and one city, will be held with dancers in pawikan-inspired costumes thumping their feet on the sand at the beach.

This will be followed by Bancathon Kayak Race and Cookfest.

After the awarding and recognition of partner agencies, a beach party caps the celebration.

The Pawikan Festival landed as first runner-up in the Best Tourism Practices contest of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and the Department of Tourism.(PNA)LAP/PTR/ZST/EBE/PS