Sailing skills of Cebuano fisherfolk highlighted

Organizers and participants of the Bigiw Bugsay gather at the Moalboal Seaside Park.
CDN PHOTO/James Savellon

THE SAILING and paddling skills of Cebuano fisherfolk were on full display yesterday during the Bigiw Bugsay 2017 at the Moalboal Seaside Park in Moalboal town, southwestern Cebu.

Most of the 55 participants of the event were fisherfolk from different parts of Cebu, but majority were from Moalboal, a popular tourist destination because of its pristine waters.

One who stood out in the event was Esterlita “Esther” Pocong, the oldest female competitor at the age of 65.

“I was interested [in joining] because people said that there was a race for women,” she said.

Although she failed to land a title, she still showed she can be competitive in the sport, especially since it was through sailing that she got through life.

Esterlita said fishing is the main source of livelihood for most of the locals in Moalboal and she herself started doing this at a young age.

“I started fishing when I was eight. We would wake up as early as 2 a.m. and end up at 7 a.m.,” the Barangay Basdiot resident said.

She said she mastered the art of sailing throughout the years since it was the only way to be able to survive, especially when she started a family.

“It’s the only way to provide for my family,” she said.

Because of her hard work at the sea, she managed to send her children to school and now is savoring the fruits of her labor as all her children are now professionals.

And it is also because of fishing that she, and most of her clan, mastered the skills of sailing, which all of them showed off yesterday.

Prior to the start of the the race, organizer and Island Buzz Philippines founder Buzzy Budlong said the race meant a lot to the locals.

“The fishermen were overjoyed upon knowing this, because their children and grandfathers can now join,” said Budlong.