WATCH: Colorful boats parade in Bangkero Festival

The 13th Bangkero Festival is ongoing in Pagsanjan, Laguna. The festival is meant to give thanks to the boatmen of Pagsanjan, who are responsible for strengthening tourism in the area. According to Florante Salvador Jr., municipal administrator and chairman of the Bangkero Festival Committee, there are many activities lined up, such as a dragonboat competition and an on-the-spot art contest, among others. The festival is important to Pagsanjan, Salvador said, because boating is the livelihood of 5-7% of the population of municipality. There are currently 1,974 boatmen who are members of the United Boatmen’s Association of Pagsanjan.