𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 from the recent 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹!!
The gakit, a makeshift bamboo raft, held a pivotal role in the early socio-economic development of Valencia. In the absence of bridges connecting the eastern and western banks of the Pulangui River, it served as a vital lifeline, facilitating trade and transportation of goods between upstream and across indigenous communities and the growing town. Loaded with a variety of produce including palay, bananas, corn, abaca, and coffee, gakits facilitated the exchange between the indigenous tribes and settlers, bartering for essentials like cloth, salt, and matches. The gakit was a channel for the exchange of not just goods but also news and ideas. Each arrival at Pantad, the historical dock of the gakits, sparked a flurry of activity, fostering community interaction and cultural exchange.
To honor the enduring legacy of the Pulangui River and the gakit in shaping Valencia's identity, the Valencia City Pulangui River Gakit Festival was established by City Ordinance No. 35-2023. Celebrated annually during the second week of July, the festival serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Valencia's pioneers. It seeks to instill in present-day residents the values that shaped the early development of the city and foster a deeper appreciation of the community's heritage. The celebration is focused on thanksgiving and stands as a tribute not only to the contributions of the river and the gakit but also to the divine providence that has sustained the community throughout its history.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
𝘖𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘴
• Valencia Bukidnon Historical and Cultural Society
• City Mayor’s Office
• Sangguniang Panlungsod
• Office of the IP Mandatory Representative
• City Engineer’s Office
• City Budget Office
• City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
• City Economic Enterprise Office
• City Health Office
• City Environment and Natural Resources Office
• City Taskforce
• City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Division
• City Sports and Games Regulations Division
• City Youth Development Division
• City Traffic and Transportation Management Division
• Public Information and Assistance Division
• City Watchmen
• City Utility Personnel
• PNP Valencia City
• Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary
• Bureau of Fire Protection
• CREEDS Valencia
• Barangay Peace Action Team of Barangay Poblacion
• Barangay Peace Action Team of Barangay Batangan
• Radio Groups
𝘎𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘵 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴
• City Mayor’s Office
• Sangguniang Panglungsod Office
• Liga ng mga Barangay
• Valencia City Water District
• NIA - Bukidnon Management Office
• Association of Quarry Permitees
• Leyla Corporation
• EC Mabao Corporation
• M. Montesclaros Enterprises, Inc.
• Sumifru Philippines Corporation
• Tamay Lang Corporation
• Ayco Family
• Catarata Family
• Eduave Family
• Tumandok Hu Valencia
• Office of the IP Mandatory Representative
𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘴
• Robinsons Valencia
• Nature’s Spring
• Bank of the Philippine Islands
• China Bank Corporation
• East West Bank Valencia City
• Landbank of the Philippines
• Philippine Savings Bank
• Security Bank Valencia City
• AGT Petroleum Corporation
• Busco Sugar Milling Company, Inc.
• Desmark Corporation
• Exe AA Business and Realty Corporation
• First Fruits Agro Industrial Corporation
• H.K. Foam Upholstery
• Leyla Agro-Industries Corporation
• M. Montesclaros Enterprises, Inc.
• Mak Hardware & Industrial Sales Corporation
• NVM Marketing
• Plaza Villahermosa
• Red Sun General Merchandise
• SM General Merchandise
• Sumifru Philippine Corporation
• Tamay Lang Group of Companies
• Vinepower Cellphone Express
• Engr. Vicente Dumadag Jr.
• Hon. Julius La Viña
• Hon. Teodoro Roteo T. Pepito
• Mr. Manuel Zubiri
• Mr. Antonio L. Alkuino
• Mr. Ronald & Dr. Carolyn Tan
• Mrs. Inocencia Dumadag
• Ms. Nene Araneta
𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴
• Kulabu Tribu Band
• Kalasanon Band
• Jykems Vibration Band
• Panlibatuhan Republic Band
• Jayson in Town Band
• Valencia City Kalayo Spinners
• Valencia City Talent Community
• Geraldine L. Timbal & Gennalyn L. Mosali of Gemma’s Couture Collection and Models
• Hon. Rodito Café and Models
• Anthony Sedoro and Models
• Hataw Valencia
𝘏𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴
• Mr. Roque Rios
• Ms. Hanilyn Canato
• Ms. Glycel Tanginan
Special thanks to the Mr. Marcelo P. Paquinol for allowing their area to become the jumpoff point for the gakit parade and to the Media and Vloggers who covered the three-day event!
🎥 Felix Reyes Films