Butuan City celebrates Christmas with Binutuanon carols
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In a vibrant celebration of music, language, and cultural pride, the city government of Butuan conducted a Binutuanon Quartet Singing Contest.
Held on December 17, the city government aims to preserve and enrich the city’s language and cultural heritage. By singing Binutuanon Christmas carols, the city government will not only sustain Binutuanon songs but also encourage the young ones to learn and speak the language.
Also, it engages the youth in performing original and classic Christmas songs using the place’s local language to strengthen intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge.
City Councilor Victor Plaza highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Butuanon music and culture. “I commend the performers for showcasing their local talents in this cultural activity that strengthens community pride and heritage.”
“The use of Binutuanon in music encourages appreciation of proverbs, traditional stories, and cultural expressions that might otherwise be forgotten,” Plaza said. “Through these songs, listeners experience the unique way of life, humor, wisdom, and values of the Butuanon people.”
“More than a musical competition, the activity serves as a cultural platform to strengthen identity, foster community cohesion, and pass traditions to younger generations,” he added.
According to the Butuan City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department (CTTMD), they also conducted Butuan music workshops, allowing the Butuanons to elevate their craft while being grounded in the rich history and culture of the city. (MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from CTCAD)