Handuraw - A Communal Endeavor!

Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda was banished in an isolated, serene place then and now known "Dapitan". Here he founded investments aiming to yield for the profit and welfare of the people. He cured the sickly, taught the willing poor Dapitanon boys and awakened the dormant blaze of patriotism which was in the deepest consciousness of the Filipinos enslaved by tyranny and despotism. Dapitan was then in darkness. Its people were under the abuses, illogical decrees and the deprivations of Spanish governance. It was when Rizal docked in the shores of Sta. Cruz on July 17, 1892 and effaced the miserable picture Dapitan was once immersed into. Dapitan is now a portrait of a recovered industry greatly relying on the essential contributions of tourism. This asset is an undeniable product of the vivid chronicle that once cradled in the city.

Now, those deeds are facing the threat of being plunged into oblivion as more Filipino values start to deteriorate.This has been the focus of the Local Government Unit of Dapitan in declaring "Handuraw" an annual celebration which points to underscore "reminiscence and reiteration of the glorious past of the Shrine City of the Philippines" which typically centers on how life looked like and was like when Rizal's words and conducts were widespread around Dapitan earlier. Handuraw is not simply an effort administered by the LGU - Dapitan but a pursuit involving the people's participation.

It is nonetheless a gathering of Filipinos.

From the imposing floats to the high-spirited dance rows and even to the majestic pageantries that showcase the vibrancy of the city, all of them frontline the apparent and observable cause of the festivity. This is the second year of Handuraw and yet it tends to grow even bigger as more people gather to take part in the celebration. A collective concern, Handuraw bears the torch of nationalism as it commemorates the overruling days of Rizal in the City. It cannot be denied that the community is diverged in a so called evolutionary swing, where people knowingly, unknowingly or willingly allow themselves to be entrenched in. The participating barangays and their distinctive booths moreover illustrate the participation of citizens in making this event a resounding success.

The rendition of performances among youth enthusiasts underline Rizal's eternal believing that the youth above anyone else is the hope of the fatherland. The vacationers, tourists and other visitors who are delighted with the amenities contained in the festivity are also indicators that people from the outside of Dapitan are ebulliently taking part in this noble, historical and traditional undertaking.

This endeavor indeed is a matter of commonality, a thing of pride…our cultural and historical treasure.

To the LGU - Dapitan, the eager workforce of the participating barangays, the youth, to all Dapitanons and visitors who indefatigably shore up to the ideals and visions of "Handuraw," kudos! Kudos! We dearly expect your bursting and persisting support for the next and the Third Handuraw celebration.

Mabuhay to us all!