WHILE GENSAN is celebrating it’s Tuna Festival this week, my hometown, Alabel, Sarangani Province also celebrates its 8th Kasadyaan Festival, which opened today with various activities.

The activities scheduled today include the inauguration of  government projects in the different barangays, tree-planting at the septage treatment facility and in school sites, opening of the agri-fishery fair, thanksgiving mass, fireworks display, and acoustic concert.

I took part in the tree-planting activity early this morning with Junior Ecologist Movement (JEM) members at the Septage Treatment Facility (STF) in Barangay Bagacay.

The area is part of the Calminda Watershed, which is a protected area.

The JEM has always stressed that we do not only plant trees but grow ones.

The clearing behind us was planted with several mahogany  saplings.

Engr. Allan Rivera of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office has always worked with JEM in its activities.

IN THE afternoon, we attended the Thanksgiving Mass and also visited the Agri-Fishery Fair.

Each barangay showcased their local products as well as those that are sold abroad.

For those who do not know it yet, Alabel is the home of the famous Sarangani Bay Bangus that are exported in various countries in both frozen and processed form.

Ms. Christine Gay, Ms. Eljay, and Sir Rolando

My co-teachers and I also went to the carnival and enjoyed some street food.