Congratulations to the winners of Bauang’s 3rd Rakethon: River-Rafting held on December 21, 2024 at the Bauang River!

Champion: Barangay Payocpoc Norte Oeste

1st Place: Barangay Pugo

2nd Place: Barangay Bucayab

The participants were fisher folks from 24 barangays of Bauang (14 coastal and 10 riverside barangays).

Rakethon or Raket Marathon was organized to give tribute to fisher folks along the rivers and coastal areas of Bauang. This annual event showcases their skills not just in fishing but also in bamboo rafting. It aims to develop the Bauang River as a tourist destination and to promote bamboo rafting as one of the tourism activities especially during summer and holidays. The event highlighted the magnificent beauty of the Bauang River featuring the historic PNR Bridge and the breathtaking view of the West Philippine Sea.

The 3rd Rakethon: River-Rafting Competition incorporates Rama Festival which was on its 2nd year of celebration. “Rama” is an Iloco traditional fishing technique in which they use fish nets as a trap for different kinds of fish and shells found in the river.

“Dakkel potensyal na ti Bauang River,” Municipal Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III said in his message during the Rakethon.

Arch. Rossano “Bobby” Baradi, Tourism Consultant, hosted the ceremony alongside the Municipal Information and Tourism Office (MITO).

Mr. Leodivico Verzola, Municipal Agriculturist, led everyone into a solemn prayer. Sangguniang Bayan Member (SBM) Hon. Veronica T. Bernardo and Municipal Vice Mayor Henry A. Bacurnay, Jr. also provided their messages to inspire everyone especially the participants.

Also present were Municipal Officials and employees of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bauang. The Bureau of Fire Protecton (BFP), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), Rural Health Unit (RHU), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were present in the event to maintain the safety of the participants and guests.

The Bauang River is an iconic vista for travellers in the North. The river has also been used as a setting and backdrop for photo shoots and vlogs. Throughout history, the Bauang River provided livelihood by means of native seafoods – including unnok, tulya, purong, bunog, tilapia, kappi, udang and kuros among others – for the fisher folks. (M. De Guzman, 2021).

Written and photographed by: Korina Esteban-Ma