CEBU CITY – Fishermen from various areas in Cebu and outside the province will take center stage a day before the Sinulog Festival as they compete in a one-of-a-kind boat race on Saturday, January 20, at the South Road Properties (SRP) here.
THE Sinulog Balik Baroto Regatta 2024 is discussed in a press conference in Cebu City on January 18. (Photo via Calvin Cordova)
At least 60 fishermen will take part in the cash-rich Sinulog Balik Baroto Regatta 2024 which will fire off shortly after the fluvial procession for the 459th Fiesta Señor.
David “Kuya Boy” Odilao, founding chairman of the Balik Baroto Movement, said fisherfolk from Talisay City, Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, Liloan, Carmen, Compostela, and Tuburan in Cebu and the cities of Tacloban and Maasin in Southern Leyte have signified intention to join the boat race.
The event is in partnership with The Fraternal Order of Eagles-Philippine Eagles and the Cebu City government headed by Mayor Michael Rama.
“As what I envisioned since I established the Balik Baroto Movement way back in 2008, I'm proud to say that we give importance to the marginalized sector of our society especially those who can't afford to buy a pump boat," said Odilao in a press conference on Thursday, January 18.
Aside from showcasing the fishermen’s paddling and maneuvering skills, the event also offers cultural value as it highlights the mode of transportation during the golden days.
“It is a timely manner to hold it in line with the Sinulog festivities as our humble offering to Señor Santo Niño,” said Odilao, the acknowledged "Father of the Sinulog.”
For the first time in the history of the competition, the upcoming event will be attended by an official from the Department of Tourism as Secretary Christina Frasco has confirmed her attendance in the event, said Odilao.
Fishermen showcasing their colorful sailboats will test their endurance in a race that covers over six nautical miles starting and ending on the shores of SRP.
Each banca will have two fishermen.
The champion pair will receive P100,000, while the second to fifth placers will get P75,000, P50,000, P30,000, and P20,000, respectively. Sixth to 10th will receive P10,000 each.
All the finishers will get a consolation prize of P5,000 each.
A “Most Colorful” special award will also be given away with the Top 3 winners getting P50,000, P30,000, and P20,000.