(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
ALANGALANG, Leyte– On a sunlit afternoon of November 7, the streets of this town came alive with a vibrant journey into the past as townspeople, students, and officials gathered to witness “An Bakwit,” a reenactment of the historic relocation of the municipality from its old settlement in Buquid (now Barangay Cavite) to its present town proper.
Once held in the early hours of November 8, the reenactment was moved to the afternoon to allow more residents, especially the younger generation, to witness the tribute to their ancestors.
“We want the people of Alangalang, especially our youth, to truly appreciate our history,” said Mayor Lovell Ann Uy-Castro. “This is a way for them to understand the sacrifices and courage of those who came before us.”
The event doubled as a friendly competition, with participants from local government offices, national agencies, schools, barangays, and private organizations donning period attire. Each group paraded from Barangay Cavite to the town proper, recreating the historic evacuation complete with props and carefully staged storylines.
The original settlement of Alangalang, nestled near the Mainit River, was prone to severe flooding, putting lives, livelihoods, and the community’s survival at constant risk. Driven by necessity and resilience, the residents moved to higher ground, forming the town proper that stands today.
Through “An Bakwit,” Alangalang not only honors its 142nd founding anniversary but also keeps alive the courage, unity, and perseverance of its forebears—a reminder that the past shapes the identity and spirit of the present community.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
