PAG-ASA ISLAND, June 5 ------ The country’s biggest and so far only motorized balangay reached Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea to conduct a medical mission — just as the group behind it also aimed to assert the country’s rights in the territorial waters surrounded by Chinese vessels.
The modern balangay left the Butuan City Port last Monday, May 27, with 19 crew on board. This includes two from ABS-CBN News. The balangay — named Florentino Das — has couches and air conditioning in the cabin. It is also equipped with wi-fi and powered by an engine. Former transportation and environment undersecretary Art Valdez stressed the importance of the historic feat, as this aimed to show China that Filipinos have been sailing the disputed waters even before their claims. “Our message here is humanitarian and peace, let we be reminded that Filipinos riding in a boat like this thousands of years ago have fought symbolically to all invaders,” said Valdez in an interview with ABS-CBN News on Tuesday night upon arrival at Pag-asa Island. “We show to the whole world that this boat has been plying in this waters for thousands of years… long before China tries to claim historical rights,” he added.
Valdez was also the expedition leader of the country’s first contingent to Mt. Everest in 2006. The balangay had challenges before it was even set to sail. It took the crew around 6 hours to launch B. Florentino Das in the Agusan River, hours before its scheduled departure last May 25. The team had to use a backhoe and other machinery to launch the balangay, in the absence of a slipway.
When it was launched, Valdez was emotional. “Sobrang hirap kanina, we thought that we cannot bring it down (JC) It is named after Florentino Das. The greatest Filipino seafarer and I am honored to name it after him. We are simply standing over his shoulder,” said Valdez. “Tears of joy because you don’t know what’s going to happen in the boat. Walang slipway, walang dry duct. You do it the traditional way, yung tagilid, pababa. Di mo alam kung anong mangyayari sa kanya,” the former transportation and environment undersecretary added.
During its formal launch on May 27, supporters and residents waited for hours to witness the historic feat. Michelle Navarra-Divinagracia was among them, who hoped more Filipinos would know more about the history of the balangays. “Importante ang balangay (this launch is important) to raise awareness kasi I believe it should be declared as our national boat,” said Divinagracia. “Doon naman sa paghihintay, when the Butuan people decided to build the second Balangay boat, itong modern replica… I was already involved… Gusto ko siya kasi sa previous voyages andoon ako, I want to be part of the vogage of this new Balangay,” she added.
Dr. Marilou Monet-Solidum, who was also part of the Balangay activities in a decade, said she was excited for the launch. “I am so excited to be part of this historic event, the maiden voyage. I’ve been for a long time, fore more than 10 years, I have been involved in the Balangay activities,” said Monet-Solidum. “I want the next generation to be proud as well as I am,” she added.
During the 9-day voyage to the Spratlys, B. Florentino Das experienced several challenges, including brownouts and bad weather. On Wednesday, the balangay team will lead the medical mission. Among the key individuals in this year’s Balangay expedition include disaster resilience expert Dr. Ted Esguerra, former Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) vice president Wendell Tamayo, and Butuan Global Forum secretary Jody Navarra.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com