First Gakit Festival

According to its history, the municipality of Gigaquit derived its name from two native words: “gigad” which means shore and “gakit” (paypag) which means bamboo raft. The words were combined and later became Gigaquit as it is known at present. The Gakit Festival held in 13 March 2010 at the public market along Doot Beach revolved around the theme: “Baliktan-aw sa tinubdan, giya sa kalamboan.” The festival was implemented and supported by the local government unit through the local tourism office in cooperation with its 13 barangays that contributed much to the realization of the activity.

The affair which was conceptualized with the assistance of the Gigaquit Civic Club involved different activities such as gakit making, gakit racing, and beautification contest. The barangays were clustered into five groups. Each had a certain number of participants in different phases. Only ten representatives were allowed for every game set by the organizers. The mechanics and guidelines were provided for the contingents, consisting of all information such as prizes and criteria in the procedure of the game.

Mayor Carlos M Egay, Sr. graced the affair together with some attendees like provincial tourism office representatives, barangay officials, department heads, municipal employees and the general public. A fluvial presentation by clusters seemed to be the main attraction due to its colorful and vibrant gakit displays. Selected Augustinians and GNSHI students performed an ethnic dance as added entertainment to the event. This activity is one way of rediscovering the historical background of the story of the creation of the name “Gigaquit”.

Mechanics and Guidelines

1. Lumba Gakit is open to male categories only. Open to all ages and neighboring barangays

2. Lumba Gakit Contest is mandated by the Local Government Unit family through the leadership of the Municipal Mayor Carlos M. Egay Sr., honoring the historical background of the municipality.

3. All barangay of this municipality are divided or group into five (5) clusters assigned by the organizers and entitled to (1) entry only. Clustering of barangays is as follows:

Cluster 1 - Ipil , Alambique

Cluster 2 - LASICAM

Cluster 3 - San Isidro, Anibongan, Camboayon

Cluster 4 - Mahanub, San Antonio, Poniente

Cluster 5 - Villafranca, Villaflor

4. The competition will be categorized into two (3) phases Gakit making, racing and beautification challenge.

5. Each cluster contingent must choose or select from their group two (2) best racers and two to three (2-3) representatives for beautification. Same Gakit to be utilize for the challenges respectively.

6. All contingents for beautification must portray, interpret or act the traditional way rendered by the local ancestors.

7. All contingents for the Gakit making must have a maximum of five (5) helpers only.

8. All contingents/barangays will be provided materials and required to contribute one thousand pesos (1,000) for the marketing of bamboos, rope and etc. in uniform size and quantity. The standard length will be 2 meters and 1.5 meters width set by the organizers.

9. The competitors must be knowledgeable on creating Gakit. Composing of two layer bamboo sticks, every layer must arrange with ten (10) pieces bamboos as customary in the challenge.

10. Competitors will provide their own materials/props to be used for beautification such as: sack of copra, animals and other old resources.

11. The competitor who directly finishes on making gakit is required to take their gakit along the beach where the second challenge (racing) is on going.

12. The competition for the second challenge (racing) will start and finished along the Doot Beach. One representative from the organizers must assign in the designated area.

13. Fluvial presentation should be taken by the contingents in front of judges to be observed upon doing the 3^rd challenge.

14. The competition will be on March 13, 2010 starting at 1:00 in the afternoon.

15. Competitors must be at the venue 2 hours before the scheduled time for initial preparation.

16. Proclamation of winners will be announced immediately on the awarding ceremony. All contingents must be present at the same time.