Butuan showcases river cruise in Agusan River
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – As part of the Balangay Festival 2025, the city government of Butuan through the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department (CTCAD) conducted a Balangay River Cruise on May 5-10.
Some 119 individuals joined the river cruise, sailing the waters of the Agusan River as the third longest river in the country, draining most of the areas in Caraga region, including Butuan City, and some parts of Davao.
The boat passengers enjoyed the scenic early morning views around the vast river, while learning the rich culture and history of Butuan City.
The
cruise started at the River Park passing the barangays of Pagatpatan, Bading,
and Banza to Butuan estuary where the water from Agusan River meets the salt
water of Butuan Bay.
The
cruise highlighted the use of “Sapyaw,” an ancient way of fishing
using bamboo materials.
The
passengers also witnessed the cooking demonstration of “Palagsing,” a Butuanon
delicacy made from “unaw” or starch from Lumbia tree.
During
the cruise they visited the different cultural and historical places in Butuan
City such as the Banza Church Ruins, a testament of the city’s rich culture and
heritage.
“We were
informed that we would be sailing from Butuan River Park to Pagatpatan, near
the mouth of Agusan River, and that in our return, we should make a stop at the
Banza Church Ruins for a cooking demo of traditional delicacies. I didn’t
expect how enriching the experience was,” said Liby Pueblos, one of the
passengers of the Balangay river cruise, as she shared in awe the unique
tourism activity prepared by the city government for the Butuanons and
tourists.
She also
added that the activity wasn’t just a simple tour, saying, “This wasn’t just a
sightseeing trip, but a quiet journey into the soul of Butuan.”
According
to Mary Jane L. Tutaan of the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs
Department, “This is only a pilot episode and they are hopeful that the
Balangay River Cruise will improve and eventually become a regular tourism
activity to boost the city’s tourism industry. (MFC, with a report from
CTCAD)