BY JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental — Mayor Meraluna L. Salvaleon – Abrogar has expressed her happiness upon personally witnessing her Filipino “kababayans” in New York City.
The mayor joined the contingent from her hometown who won second place during the 2024 staging of Kuyamis Festival, and also to personally take care of their needs while in the US.
Mayor Meraluna even participated in the parade in the streets with her own traditional tribal attire. She also danced the cultural dances to the amazement of her friends and Filipino kababayans abroad.
Magsaysay Town Mayor Charlie Buhisan said he supported his contingent during their stay in New York.
He said he is also proud that the four-year old Kuyamis Fesival was showcased in America to make Filipinos there become proud of their roots.
Right now, he said, there are over 400,000 Filipinos in New York City alone based on the recent report.
For his part, Medina Mayor Donato Chan also added that financially he also supported his town’s contingent to the said showcasing of Kuyamis Festival overseas.
Chan said his contingent are very excited to travel abroad since most them are first timers.
Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa revealed that the Kuyamis Festival showcases in New York has promoted the culture, tourism, and revitalizes the coconut industry of the province.
Cañosa expressed his gratitude for being part of the event. He explained that Kuyamis is a unique variety of coconut native to Misamis Oriental, and Governor Peter Unabia is enthusiastic about promoting the festival globally.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our culture, promote our tourism industry, and revitalize the coconut industry in Misamis Oriental to continue developing our agricultural sector with government support,” Cañosa said.
MORE CREDITS TO UNABIA, EMANO
Misamis Oriental Governor Peter M Unabia was also credited and honored by the mayors and the whole contingent for his unwavering support financially and all other needs of the whole team.
Unabia had earlier said that the holding of Kuyamis Festival performances is great pride of the province.
Second District Congressman Yevgeny Bambi Emano was the main man behind the creation of Kuyamis Festival, purposely to promote Kuyamis, a coconut variety thriving in the province for centuries. Until it evolve into a bigger version of cultural and tourist-oriented activity held annually in Misamis Oriental.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), Inc., a nonprofit organization based in New York City, organized the parade.
PIDC President Arman David told the media the significance of commemorating Philippine independence to preserve Filipino heritage and culture among the diaspora, particularly in New York.
“With over 400,000 Filipinos here in New York City, it is important to continue our Filipino heritage for future generations. This year’s theme, ‘To preserve Filipino heritage and culture for future generations,’ underscores the importance of uniting future Filipino-American generations here,” David stated.
The celebration also featured Filipino food and products, drawing participation from various Filipino organizations. ###
