The villagers started the event with a ceremony in which a senior citizen received food from family members and placed it in two small baskets.
The elder, accompanied by another villager, then brought the two baskets to a person on the beach who released them to the sea while blowing the traditional shell horn.
This was a sign of the community’s respect for, and willingness to share their bounty with, their ancestors.
“It sent chills up my spine because I have never seen anything like that before ,” Lt Gov. Eloy S. Inos said, referring to the 10-minute ceremony that was followed by entertainment and lunch in the Tanapag social hall.
It was the intention of the event organizer, the Tanapag Action Group, headed by Juan I. Tenorio, to revive local traditions.
In the 1970’s, Tenorio said the Tanapag gathering also involved different kinds of water sports and games.
Tenorio said they will hold the event regularly and include water sports to “continue bringing the families closer together.”
He said the tradition gradually faded because of politics and income disparities which divided the community.
Former Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Benigno M. Sablan said since local society became more “commercialized,” local traditions have been set aside.
Before, he recalled, fishermen usually shared their catch with the village elders as a show of respect.
“But now you cannot get fish without money,” he said.
Rosa T. Castro, 69, recalled how traditions strengthened the relationship among Tanapag residents.
“I hope the new generation will learn from us and keep the spirit alive so we can act as one heart and be very close to each other,” she added.
Preserving tradition
Vic Igitol, the recognized village chief in Tanapag, said he was surprised by the big turnout yesterday.
“This is a very good sign and we hope to have this again next year,” he said.
It was Gregorio Magofna, a former Tanapag village commissioner, who suggested to revive the event.
Eric Magofna, Kagman High School vice principal and son of Gregorio Magofna, said the event is very significant to the new generation.
“We don’t even know each other,” he said, referring to some of his relatives and residents in Tanapag.
He recalled how his father gathered the community every Sunday to practice the tradition of giving respect to the elders.
Ike Demapan, Indigenous Affairs Office director, also joined the Tanapag residents in the memorable event.
Inos said he is hoping that other villages will follow Tanapag’s example.
He said the gathering of residents will not only strengthen the relationship among community members but will also help address public issues.
“ I’m really happy that Tanapag is practicing local tradition. This is the only way we can keep in touch with our relatives and friends and many of our children who have moved to other villages. This is the kind of event that will bring us back together at least once a year,” he said.
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