The Singkaban Festival 2023 emphasized the importance of the serious preservation of the heritage of Bulacan. Apart from historical places, the festival seeks that art and culture be considered also as part of the province’s heritage. But more so, nature should also be considered as a true and natural heritage of Bulacan’s ancestors, which should be highly valued. If the nature is not protected, the trees and plants that include bamboo, which are the main materials for the production of Singkaban, will be depleted. The Singkaban is an arch made of bamboo that is built at the opening of the barangay or place where there is a celebration. The use of Singkaban was first recorded in the history of the Philippines when the session of the Congress of Malolos was opened at the Barasoain church in Malolos. Congress delegates then parked on the road that is now called Paseo del Congreso, from the Malolos Cathedral to the Barasoain church. That's why the theme of Singkaban for this year, which is centered on the preservation of nature, is reflected in the design concept of the floats of the towns and cities which paraded at the opening of the festival. During the recent celebration, the float of Angat town featured the "Bahay-Kubo”, surrounded by all kinds of vegetables that are abundantly harvested in Angat. A version of a terraced paddy field was also shown. The San Jose Del Monte float showed a replica of the hidden waterfalls sheltered in the Sierra Madre mountain range, indicating the cleanliness of the water. The cart of Paombong town featured the sukang sasa, which is a symbol of the vibrant industry of sasa and vinegar in the said town, while a bountiful catch of lobsters was featured in the float of the Calumpit town government. Baliwag town is advocating to have its own plantation of the buli plant, which is the main material for making sambalilong buntal, which is heritage industry there. Guiguinto town’s float is also featured the world-class horticulture industry that is reaching the global market. The proliferation of bamboo plants is the theme of Meycauayan’s float which is also the origin of its name. The Bulaklakan or Flores De Mayo is Bulakan town’s theme, calling for the revival of the cotton industry in Bulacan where the name of the province is also originated. The adjoining towns of Bocaue and Santa Maria also participated, featuring the revival of the harana and the re-invigoration of pyrotechnics industry. Meanwhile, selected schools also participated in the event, where they performed dances depicting the history of the province.

-oOoThe at Cong. Teodula C. Nativiidan High School, Northville 8 Bangkal, City of Malolos,

author is a Head Teacher I Bulacan