Mendez, Cavite holds ‘Sinagingan Festival’

Banana, the major crop of Brgy. Palocpoc, Mendez, Cavite will take the spotlight in the staging of ‘Sinagingan Festival.’ This tropical fruit will be the highlight of all the activities lined up for two days when Barangay Palocpoc of Mendez, Cavite will once again open its door to visitors for the Sinagingan Festival 2004.

The event, which was formed to promote the barangay’s main agricultural product is now on its second year and will be held today.

Brgy. Palocpoc is one of the several agricultural places in the country where the feast of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, is celebrated simultaneously with other towns and provinces.

This barangay was once a barrio situated in a remote town of Mendez, Cavite. The barrio got its name from the word “Pukpukan.” A small river used to cross the adjacent barrios in the southern part where a fabric made from hemp is being pounded.

Palocpoc has a total land area of 263 hectares. Ninety-five percent of this is being used for the plantation of various agricultural plants. Before, the major crop was coffee, but the production of it has now decreased. Among other agricultural products are bananas, jackfruits, pineapples and coconuts. Banana sprouted and dominated the area, considered now as the main agri-produce of the barangay.

Herman Escueta, president of the Sinagingan Festival, said that the main purpose of celebrating this event is to encourage the farmers to continuously plant banana and to optimize its uses. From a mere fruit on the table to banana chips that are for export, the banana peelings are now also being used as edible product.

He added that this would also make Barangay Palocpoc a tourist destination in the future, which can create more jobs for the local community.

Rock band competition, street dancing exhibition, serenata featuring two brass bands, grand parade, and fireworks display are among the activities lined up for the event. There is also a competition on the best-decorated zone where different types of banana and other crops will be used for display. A musical extravaganza where well-known artists will be performing is scheduled tonight.