Antique's Binirayan successful sans Javier backing
SAN JOSE, Antique--This year's Binirayan Festival turned out successful even without the support of Congressman Exequiel Javier.
Javier, representative of the province's lone district, along with municipal mayors allied to him had not been supportive of the Binirayan Festival since his tiff with Perez started.
Perez had said in a radio interview earlier that Javier does not recognize the Festival. Javier could not be reached for comment.
Perez and Javier have been at loggerheads with each other. Javier was absent during President Arroyo's visit to Pandan town Tuesday this week although he and Perez are both with the administration. Pandan is considered as Perez's bailiwick.
But Perez appeared unfazed. During Binirayan's opening activities, she dragged along Department of Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta to the stage and dance to a reggae beat.
"For several years, we have been trying to improve the way we celebrate the Binirayan. Each year, we try to introduce something new, to make the festival more meaningful to the Antiqueños," Perez said in her opening speech at the Biray opening ceremonies in Malandog in Hamtic town.
Of the eighteen towns in the province, only fourteen towns participated in the Binirayan Festival. The towns of San Remigio, Belison, Bugasong and Culasi did not join. The mayors of these towns are identified with Javier.
The Festival was highlighted by a tribes contest in April 29 participated by nine tribes.
Other than Trompeta, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab graced the opening.