Banca parade highlights Badoc fest

By Glenn T. Batuyong

BADOC, Ilocos Norte -- Around 50 decorated fishing bancas joined the first La Virgen Milagrosa fluvial parade in the waters of Badoc in Ilocos Norte here May 5.

Devotees from the province attended the concelebrated mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Badoc and after the mass, the image of Blessed Virgin Mary travelled in the shoreline of La Virgen Milagrosa Cove.

 Badoc Mayor Maximo Cajigal and Badoc Parish Priest Rev. Father Frederick Astudillo assisted La Virgen Milagrosa in her banca, while, provincial officials and Miss Ilocos Norte pageant candidates joined in their respective fishing boats.

Local spectators prayed the rosary while the fluvial procession sailed along the cove.

The event highlighted the last of the nine-day novena in honor of the province’s patron saint, La VirgenMilagrosa de Badoc.

According to Ianree B. Raquel, provincial tourism officer, the “fluvial procession was a success. It’s quite historic because this is the first time we have done this right here at the La VirgenMilagrosa Cove.”

“We are very blessed because earlier we had a little rain shower …this is our first fluvial procession and we are very happy with the participation of the community.”

The novena and fluvial parade are among highlights of the La Milagrosa Provincial Fiesta.

 Other upcoming activities are the fifth Himala sa Buhangin! Arts and Music Festival on May 13 and the Miss Ilocos Norte 2017 Coronation Night on May 16.