Celebrating Artistry and Enhancing Livelihood: The Documentation of Banig Festival of Badian, Cebu

Abstract

For more than ten years, the municipality of Badian has celebrated the Banig Festival. Despite this, there is still a lack of thorough documentation and written literature on the festival's cultural significance and effects. This research addressed this knowledge gap by delving deeply into the festival's background and significance in maintaining the Badianganons' traditional craftsmanship. The researcher utilized a descriptive-qualitative research design. This study collected important information about the fundamental components of the festival and its significance to the local community through semi-structured interviews participated by selected informants. The results revealed that Banig Festival is an occupational celebration that highlights the intricate and varied artistry of the community, especially in the making of banig, a hand-woven mat manufactured using pandan leaves. The dance portrays the process of making banig which is evident in the dance steps, namely, magtubong, maglilas, maghagud, maglala, and magsapay. These emphasize the talent, endurance, and skills needed to make these exquisite and useful objects. These customs are a tribute to the Badianganons' creativeness and determination, reflecting a rich cultural legacy that has been meticulously passed down through the years. The study highlights how crucial it is to record the Banig Festival in order to preserve this traditional practice and guarantee that the information and abilities related to banig weaving are passed down to upcoming generations. Incorporating festivals into the curriculum enhances learning and strengthens cultural sensitivity. Students participate in immersive workshops on traditional dances, deepening their cultural understanding. Disseminate this literature of festival documentation in all respective barangays in the municipality of Badian, Cebu.

Keywords: Festival, Banig Festival, Documentation, Livelihood, Culture