Pandayan Festival of Badiangan

From a mere ‘barrio' considered part of the vast and progressive town of Janiuay, Badiangan became an independent municipality by vitue of RA 5006.

It said that Badiangan came from the word “ka-badiangan,' meaning a place where many “badiang” plants grow. Characterized by a very large leafy portion, “badiang” belongs to the gabi family of plants. It grows abundantly in the place where the first Spanish settlers inquired from the natives. Thinking the strangers refered to the plant, they replied, “ka-badiangan”. Later it came to be known as Badiangan.

It has a total land area of 7, 750 hectares with 31 barangays. It is a 5 th class municipalty located 40 km north of Iloilo City in the Western part of the province. Bounded in the southwest of Janiuay, Mina on the southeast., Pototan on the east and Dueñas on the north and Lambunao on the northwest.

The town is famous for its agriculture. As the backbone of economy, the town produces rice and sugar as its primary crops. It also produces coffee, root crops, vegetables, coconuts, lanzones, banana, bamboo and buyo. The sweet mangoes of the town are also exported and sold in local markets in the province.

Aside from these, Badiangan is also famous for its Bingauan bolos and other knives known locally and even in other countries. Crafted to perfection by the hardworking "pandays," Bingauan handcrafted steel instruments and tools have always been preferred in local markets because of their proven quality and durability. The most popular "binangon" is known for its manifold functions in the home, and is even given away as "pasalubong" for guests and friends here and abroad.

"Pagpamanday" is the main source of livelihood for many Bingauanons. The elders say that it began before the 18 th century and was pioneered by Domingo Bolero, Bonifacio Porras, Solomon Collado and Fetipe Amigable. They got the idea from the Spaniards who carried with them bladed weapons wherever they went. With the Bingauanons ingenuity, various types of "binangons" as well as other products from steel were developed and have become very popular not only locally but also internationally.

The "binakuko" is the traditional and most popular form of "binangon" which is used in chopping wood and in other household activities. The "sinuwak" is another type which resembles the young sepals of the coconut and is used in carpentry and in cutting shrubs and smaller trees. This is mostly given as souvenir for guests and visitors. The "ginunting" has more or less the same functions as the sinuwak. The "pinuti" (butcher's knife) is smaller in size and is used in slicing meat. The" tangkap" is a plane ended knife which can also be used in the kitchen. There are also other types labeled as "linamay". "surot" (trowel) used in gardening, and "balintawak" . The "kayog" which was used to harvest rice during the olden times and a smaller version of the present-day "garab"; and the "wasay" which is used to chop lumber and bigger trees are also some of the many bladed instruments that the Bingauanons make.

Pamandayan is an industry that has to do with grafting bladed instruments from scrap metals and steel. A piece of "binangon" takes several hours to finish and requires a lot of strength, sweat and effort on the part of the "panday". Usually, three to four persons take turns in grafting a "binangon". There is the maestro or manugkimpit who puts the piece of steel into the burning charcoal to make it pliant and easy to shape. There is a manugpalo who is in charge of flattening the steel to its desired thickness. The woman of the house usually handles the "hasuwasan" to keep the charcoal burning and weaves the "pikit" around the handle to prevent it from falling when attached to one's belt or waist.

A "binangon" is a product of various stages and of various materials. After hours of exposure to heat and of strenuous beating by the "manugpalo" the piece of steel is flattened, shaped and its blade or "kilay " is made. Then, the dark portions of the steel are polished to perfection. The sheath or case is then prepared out of wood. The "pikit" is made out of "nito" or "oway". And the "panuelo" is made out of carabao or cow's skin. The handle or "polo" is made of hardwood. Stainless steel or any metal is used to seal or glue the "pitala" or end of the binangon to its handle.

Pagpamanday is a tradition that was passed on from generations to generations of Bingauanons. It is an industry that shows the ingenuity, craftsmanship and industry of Badianganons.

As evident in the popularity and durability of every finished product, the "pandays'"of Binaguan, the Bingauan Binangon and other products of the "pandays" of Bingauan are truly every Badianganon's pride.

With this, Badiangan celebrates “Pandayan Festival” showcasing this "Bingauan Binangon" and other products of the "pandays" or blacksmiths of Barangay Bingauan, Badiangan on June 18 – 24.

Pandayan Festival is a celebration of the "pagpamanday" in Bingauan, of the "bingauan binangon" and of all the best things Badianganons have to offer. Pandayan is a showcase of the Badianganons talent, culture and tradition.

The festival includes float parade, Agri-Industrial Fair, Miss Pandayan Search and the highlight of the festival in the cultural presentations.

The contesting groups are named after the types of ‘binangon' the pandays make. It would use all steel base instruments. And will also depict the lifestyle of Badiannganon. There will also be a unique sound and movement created as a specific “Pandayan Festival” , Badianganon's own.

Be there and experience Pandayan Festival.