The banks of the Himoga-an River pulsed with life once again with the “Adlaw sang Suba,” years after its pandemic hiatus, a press release from Sagay PIO said.
Sagay City’s pre-Charter Day tradition, “Adlaw sa Suba,” made a vibrant comeback, this time hosted by Barangay Paraiso, following last year’s revival in the neighboring barangay of Fabrica on June 10.
Designed to raise awareness and encourage the preservation of Sagay’s longest and most vital river, the daylong affair gathered residents, officials, and stakeholders in a shared mission to protect the Himoga-an River and its ecosystem.
The program began with the usual community clean-up drive, followed by an opening program highlighted with competitions at the waterway including paddle boat races, “Pamunit Sa Suba” or river fishing, and “Salum Kayog” or shell diving.
The contest and event was staged by the Himogaan Riverwatch and Ecotourism Association led by Jun Grandez.
This community-led initiative was first introduced in 2009 by the City Information and Tourism Office head and Tourism Operations Supervising Officer Helen A. Cutillar under the administration of former Mayor Alfredo Maranon, Jr.
Cutillar said that she is delighted to witness the same energy and passion from residents even after the event’s hiatus.
“Together, let us continue to do our share in protecting this precious heritage of our race for the next generation,” she said.
Grandez welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to initiate the activity.
Paraiso Barangay Captain Pete Flores reminded everyone of the river’s vital role in sustaining livelihood, particularly during the sugar milling off-season when fishing becomes a lifeline.
“Himoga-an River is alive,” he said. “Its ‘kayog’ shells and freshwater fish feed families when the fields fall silent.”
Meanwhile, Fabrica Brgy. Kagawad Mark Jun Cuaycong also urged the community by the river to stop throwing garbage into the river and cherish and care for their natural heritage.
Lopez Sugar Corporation head of Environmental and Safety Compliance Engr. Rufino Mombay said that their 90-year relationship with the river was fostered with their conservation activities such as planting trees, maintaining farms, and conducting river cleanups regularly.
Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, who crossed the river on a small boat to inspect its banks during the event, expressed his praise to the community’s collective efforts.
“The Himoga-an River is regaining its beauty because of your unity. Let’s sustain this momentum,” he said.
The program was also attended by Fabrica Brgy. Capt. Merle Demavibas, Engr. Wysdale Carman PCO- Pollution Control of Lopez Sugar Corp, Forester Remelyn Boca, Lopez Sugar Corporation Fire Volunteer, Danny Moraca SWATH coordinator under Negros Economic Devt Foundation, SK Chairman Jensenn Ray Bancolinos, Triskelion Paraiso, Brgy, Paraiso First Responders, Sagay City PNP, among others.
Adlaw sa Suba was a hall of fame awardee under the Sports and Wellness (City Level) category by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines’ Pearl Awards for Best Tourism Practices.*
