San Benito town in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte is reliving its rich maritime heritage with the holding of the first Bugsay-Lajag Regatta as part of its 52nd municipal foundation day celebration. Literally meaning rowing and sailing, Bugsay-Lajag is a race of traditional outrigger fishing boat mounted with a sail and participated in by local fishermen.
According San Benito mayor Ma. Gina Sumando-Menil, the regatta is a recognition of the town’s reach marine resources and a tribute to the vital role of fishermen in the local economy. She noted that the sailing tilt, which is now on its sixth edition, is a potential additional tourist recreational activity in Siargao with the fisherfolk themselves as bugsay-lajag instructors which can provide extra sources of income.
Situated on the northwestern coast of Siargao, San Benito’s tourist attractions include trekking at Mt Poneas and hidden lake, mangrove forest cruise and hopping around the islands of Kangkangon, Pagbasayan, Litalit, Dahican and Kampayas. It will soon open a 2-km zipline which glides over the scenic mangrove forest and end up in Litalit Island.
In photo at the Regatta’s opening ceremonies are San Benito mayor Menil (center) and vice mayor Wellybel Requilme (fifth from left), along with the members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and First Gentleman Emmanuel Menil. Cebu Pacific is the official airline partner of the Bugsay Lajag Regatta.
