Environment
Bigiw-Bugsay
On Its Third
Year of
Upholding
Traditional
Sailing
Culture
M
oalboal, Cebu---A 5-day expedition
followed by a regatta was held in
several areas that surround Tanon
Strait to honor the Central Visayan
cultural heritage as skilled seafarers
and navigators of the traditional sailing
canoe called Bigiw.
Since the first Bigiw-Bugsay event was
staged last 2016, a growing number of
fishermen came to participate in the
regatta. This year, more than 60 participants registered for the youth,
women and men categories of bigiw paddling and sailing races which
was held at the Seaside Park in Moalboal last April 22. To make the 3rd
year more exciting, the organizing group Island Buzz Philippines--- a
water sports company that aims to promote the use of non-motorized
watercrafts to protect the environment and to revive the islander’s
cultural lifestyle, embarked on a bigiw expedition from April 16 to 22,
featuring 3 bigiw sailors led by Buzzy Budlong, a renowned Visayan
paddler who holds the record of paddling 3025 kilometers from south to
north of Philippines in 88 days.
During the expedition, the group conducted bigiw paddling and
sailing clinics to the locals for free. Non-Profit Organization, Oceana
Philippines, the world’s largest non-profit solely dedicated to marine
conservation, was also there to provide environmental talks to the locals.
The expedition and bigiw clinics covered a number of municipalities
namely Bindoy, Manjuyod, Tanjay and Amlan before heading back
to Moalboal for the bigiw regatta and for the launch of the “Hybrid
Bigiw”--- an innovative sailing canoe that is more compact, lightweight
and efficient. Most importantly, this watercraft is more environmentally-
friendly as making one will not be at the expense of a tree.
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Currently, some bigiw canoes can still be found along Tanon Strait,
being used by fisherfolks from both Cebu and Negros. Some can also be
found in Samal and Leyte. However, because more fishermen are inclined
towards use of motorized boats, the design and most specially the skill of
paddling and sailing the bigiw might be lost in the future. According to
Budlong, “We don’t want this to happen. We continue with our advocacy
of promoting the Bigiw and we will keep on improving its design without
losing the local touch. With the help of sponsors, supporting local
government units and Department of Tourism- Region 7, the use of the
Bigiw, its pointed and slim hull, triangular sail and its traditional way of
navigating can be passed on for generations to come, as a source of pride
and most especially as a lifestyle. islandbuzzphilippines.com