Senator Francis N. Tolentino joined the 14th Minasa Festival 2024 held at the Bustos Military Area (BMA) in Barangay Poblacion, Bustos, Bulacan on Monday, Jan. 15.
The event, dubbed "Minasa for Real, Minasa for Success" was celebrated along with the 107th Anniversary of Bustos.
In his speech before thousands of Bulakenyos Tolentino said that in the Public Utility Modernization Program, he will not stop suggesting a real jeepney to be used in travelling and not a coaster or flat-nose vehicle.
The senator explained he was not against the program but he also does not want to lose jeepneys that are real "King of the Roads" and are already a part of Philippine history.
"Sa amin sa Cavite napakaraming manggagawa ng jeep ilan na rito ang Sarao Motors at Tabing Motors na napakagandang tingnan mayroong nguso ng kabayo sa harap at maraming nakadikit na dekorasyon na talagang hindi natin makakalimutan, ang Hari ng Kalsada" (In Cavite there's lot of jeep makers, among are Sarao Motors and Tabing Motors that are very nice to look there's a horse snout infront and lot of decorations that we will never forget, the King of the Roads),' the senator said.
Tolentino said he doesn't like the modern flat-nose passenger vehicles today wherein the radiator, engine, and other important parts of the vehicle are under the driver's seat, unlike traditional jeepneys when would go to the gasoline station the gasoline boy could open immediately the hood and could check the engine, radiator, fan belt, and battery.
"Ang mga traditional Jeepney ay bahagi na ng ating kasaysayan at hindi ito dapat na mawala tulad ng ating pagdiriwang ngayon ng ika-14 na Minasa Festival," (The traditional Jeepneys are already part of our history that don't perish like what we are celebrating now the 14th Minasa Festival)," he said.
Meanwhile, Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando thanked Senator Tolentino for joining the event despite his hectic schedule.
Fernando also lauded Bustos Mayor Francis Albert G. Juan for the various lineup of meaningful events highlighting the history, culture, and people of the town.
Traditionally, Minasa Festival, named after the town's famous milk biscuits, is held every second week of January.
The biscuit was termed "Minasa" because of the literal and actual hand mixing and flattening of the flour mixture or batter.
This favorite homemade snack (miryenda) was exclusively prepared and eaten by rich folks and their guests during the Spanish time.
Also present in the events were Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, Bulacan 2nd District Representative Tina Pancho with Apol Pancho, Sangguniang Bayan members headed by Vice Mayor Martin S. Angeles, Bulacan police, and other local officials.