In celebration of the 19th Palay Festival in Narra, the Carabao Painting and Grooming competition was held and the animals were filled with vibrant colors depicting the optimism and celebration of the people of Narra.
Hailed as the Champion was the entry from Barangay Panacan with the paintings of what appear to be a farm on the one side and the ocean on the other side.
The Festivities which started last October 21 and will last until October 30 reflect the importance and value of Palay which is Filipino term for Rice and affects the everyday life of every person in Narra which is considered the rice granary of Palawan. And a moment for Narranians for thanksgiving to the farmers who work tirelessly for the continued good rice harvest and agricultural development of the municipality.
At 2nd place is the entry from Barangay Aramaywan which depict the produce of the land on the one side and the various people who are instrumental in providing help to the farmers on the other.
And of course the tireless efforts of all involved including the Carabao or Water-buffalo who are the farmers’ partner in the ricefield. For a day, the Carabao became the star, adorned with colors (water based paints were used which are harmless to the animals) and accorded with importance as the work horse or work buffalo is still primarily moving the agricultural industry in these parts. The animals were docile enough as they were painted with hues depicting farm life as if doing its part for the festivities.
3rd place goes to Barangay Bato Bato which shows the different faces of workers through sunrise and sunset.
With the leadership of its Mayor Gerandy “Noty” Danao and supported by the Barangays of Narra, the Carabaos day-off from their grueling work in the field have been all but fruitful giving us a time to appreciate and value all the support that have been provided to us by these majestic creatures.
You can never hear a buffalo complain in the fields and they did not start today as they gracefully strut in their coat of myriad colors and artistic expressions which their masters have painstakingly apply brush strokes, perhaps with affection.
Many activities are still in the pipeline so we think it is definitely worth to visit Narra Palawan this week.
Photos and additional information provided by Mr. Meljohn Mabunga who is one of the organizers of the event. He is an Agricultural Technologist from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Narra. He was once a champion of Carabao painting last 2018 and we believe he has placed his passion in the right place.
