Tigbauan Celebrates 7th Annual SALUDAN Festival

photo by Jose de Luna

The Saludan Festival has been an annual foundation anniversary tradition of the municipality of Tigbauan for the last seven years. Celebrated on October 22-26 this year, Saludan is a time where the people of this town can spend the day together and have fun. The festival will not only celebrate Tigbauan’s areas natural heritage, but also a new and exciting entertainment schedule. It will feature the best in wholesome family fun and entertainment.

With the theme: “One Dream, One Vision, One Direction, Excel Tigbauan Excel,” the celebration comes to Tigbauan Monday, October 22 ushering in a five day-long festivity, a great time for Tigbauanons to celebrate their culture and heritage. October 22, Monday will open with a Mass at 7:30 a.m.; Foot Parade and Street Dancing Competition at 8:30 a.m.; Opening of Saludan Eco Trade Fair at 10:30 a.m.; Opening of Food Festival at 5 p.m. and the caps the day with the Quest for Lin-ay Sang Saludan 2012. October 23, Tuesday, First Saludan Baroto Race at 6:30 a.m.; Nutrition Month Culmination Program and Farmers Field School Graduation at 8 a.m. and the SKMF Night at 7 p.m. October 24, Wednesday, Fun Run at 5:30 a.m. and LGU Night at 7 p.m. October 25, Thursday, Municipal Children Congress at 8 a.m.; Saludan Quiz at 1 p.m. and the Stylized Folkdance Contest at 7 p.m. October 26, Friday, Tribal Competition at 8 a.m.; 2GO Karock-oke Caravan at 2 p.m. and Awarding Ceremonies for the 2012 Saludan Festival at 8 p.m.

photo by Jose de Luna

The Hiligaynon term Saludan originated from the word salud---the traditional way of gathering or accumulating a thing for its interest or value such as threshing rice using a basket or catching fingerlings through nets.

Fishing and farming has been Tigbauan’s way of life for several generations.  They grow many crops and fish for food.  This is not only for survival means but also to bring families together to celebrate the planting and harvesting seasons, to share ideas on how to maintain a farmland’s fertility and to take good care of their seas. And also it is to impart this knowledge of farming and fishing to the younger generation. Their lifestyles and festivities are thus exclusively linked to the annual celebration of their festival.

Salud is also applied in preparing tuba or coconut wine. It may not be one of Tigbauan’s small-scale industries but it has caught people’s attention due to its distinct taste. The town by the way has adequate coconut trees. The taste of tuba in Tigbauan is not that strong which many have on mind. In fact, it tastes a bit sour, sweet and scrumptious with just a dash of alcohol. Good thing about tuba is that it is produced in a natural process, and thus it is chemical free. The process of collecting tuba from the coconut tree is dangerous and at the same time consuming. To extract tuba, one has to climb a coconut tree. Then, the tuba gatherer has to cut the tip of the closed part of the coconut flower. Next, the coconut sap will drip liquid drops on a bamboo tube to collect the juice from its cut end. Foliage is tied at the bamboo tube to prevent other particles to adulterate it from other substance like rainwater, this process is called salud. Tuba is at its finest during the first day, up to the third day when it was initially gathered. Usually after the fifth day, bacteria steps in and the tuba turns it into vinegar.

photo by Jose de Luna

Traditional knowledge is knowledge that has been preserved from generation to generation through oral and practical means.  For many years our ancestors have tried to find ways to make our lives easier and better by making good use of our natural resources, to appreciate our natural environment, and learn to preserve it. These traditions where ever they might have originated has become part of Tigbauan’s culture and has contributed to who they are, how they learn, and has shaped their views. Traditional knowledge does not only define their culture but provides lessons on how to live today.

There is always something happening in Iloilo. Throughout the year, enjoy unique community celebrations, festivals, and other fun events all over the province. Do not miss annual events like the Saludan Festival of Tigbauan.

Tigbauan, formerly known as "Katigbawan" or field of reeds, is a second-class town in the province of Iloilo. It occupies the southern part of the province bordering it in the north by Leon; San Miguel in the northwest; in the east by Oton; the Iloilo Strait in the south and west by Guimbal. Tigbauan, located just 22.5 kilometers south of Iloilo.