3rd balangay replica ready to sail

BUTUAN CITY - The third replica of an ancient boat that was used by Filipino seafarers many centuries ago is now geared up for voyage. The diesel engine-driven “Sama Tawi-Tawi" will join two other balangay replicas currently docked at Zamboanga City on Monday to kick-start their Southeast Asian journey. The boat will sail to Zamboanga City after the two-day fund-raising drive that started Saturday, according to former Transportation undersecretary Art Valdez, expedition leader of “Voyage of the Balangays." Greg Hontiveros, a local historian here, said the three replicas have a full itinerary ahead. “The three balangay replica boats will then sail to Jolo, then to Bunggao, Tawi-Tawi, then Malaysia then to Indonesia [and] Thailand until they reach their final destination, which is China," Hontiveros told GMANews.TV in an interview. Fund-raising cruise For the fund-raising drive, interested passengers are asked for a P5,000 fee for a day of cruising on board “Sama Tawi-Tawi." The river cruise begins at PPA grounds, then the boat sails toward Magsaysay Bridge and then upstream Macapagal Bridge before it turns around Barangay Bit-os then goes straight downstream to coastal Barangay Lumbocan where everyone will have lunch at Masao Beach. At 2 p.m., the replica sails to Magallanes, Agusan del Norte then back to PPA grounds. The proceeds will be used to fund the journey and pay allowances, foods and other needs of the crew members. “The purpose of which is to raise funds in order to augment the monthly allowances/expenses of the Butuan Crew manning the balangay during their sea expedition," said Agnes Andaya, executive of Green Bank of Caraga who is also the overall chairperson of the project. “The successful launching of the third balangay boat will not only showcase Butuan’s heritage but also Butuan’s unity in its diversity as inspired by the balangay code of all the team to work as one," she added. Historical sites During the river cruise, short stops at historical places along the route will be conducted. The heritage tour will be annotated by Hontiveros. Cultural shows will be staged for the cruise passengers. Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos blessed the third balangay boat during Saturday’s launching. The two balangay replicas, both wind-driven, sailed last February 2 and February 4, respectively. Butuan folk consider the vessel meaningful after remnants of around eight ancient balangay boats were excavated here in 1978. The oldest boat that was dug was carbon-dated at 320 AD. - KBK, GMANews.TV