News Feature: Adlaw sa Suba - a day of celebration for Himoga-an River

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1031435139906/news-feature-adlaw-sa-suba---a-day-of-celebration-for-himoga-an-river
• Tuesday, June 30, 2015

(EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 30(PIA6) - - A day of celebration for Himoga-an River, the rest of the 364 days are for protection.

Himoga-an River that stretches and benefits the communities along its banks covering barangays Paraiso, Fabrica, Himoga-an Baybay, Old Sagay, Taba-ao, Malubon and Maquiling, Puey and Bato of Sagay City was once a vital system serving the world’s biggest hardwood mill.

Insular Lumber Company (ILCO) was established in the early 1900’s in Barangay Fabrica, Sagay City and Himoga-an River would serve as the gateway of the company’s processed lumber for export to Japan and the rest of the world.

This is but with a trade off - the denudation of Sagay’s forest until 1975.

Thus, the present local government of Sagay together with the Sagay City Cooperative Development Council, Sagay City Government Employees Union, People’s Organizations and most importantly the members of the community spend one day in a year for the past seven years to celebrate Himoga-an River through the Adlaw sa Suba (Day of River) event.

Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III in his message during the Adlaw sa Suba celebration, June 10, said the several years of holding the occasion is a constant reminder to protect the environment especially the Himoga-an river which is the source of life for the communities.

Marañon who recalled the rich history of Himoga-an as told by the older generations told the present generation to remember the lessons of the past.

“While this same generation (who tells us stories of the River’s glorious past), was part of those who did not mind taking care of the environment, I hope ours will be part of the generation that will be remembered as the one who restored it,” Marañon said.

Various activities were held for this one day celebration from Carabao race, boat race and swimming relay, tree growing activities, walk for a cause, and Puga Laba sa Suba, among others.

During the Puga Laba sa Suba contest, Sagaynon women washed their clothes at the riverbank using 100 percent organic detergent that us not harmful to the environment.

According to City Information and Tourism Office head Helen Cutillar, the word Himoga-an came from the word "puga" or to wrench clothes, thus Himoga-an River.