LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Feb. 13 (PIA) – The city of Laoag showcased its rich heritage by holding a parade of calesas (horse-drawn carriages) that was among the highlights of the recent 27th Pamulinawen Festival.

A total of 20 daintily decorated calesas or horse-drawn carriages were paraded in Laoag’s main thoroughfares.

Angel Lao, city tourism officer, said this program aims to preserve the calesa for the future generations to see and appreciate.

“We are proud that Laoag City is one of the few places to have a calesa industry in the country. It is our goal to preserve our culture and tradition for the youth to appreciate. So let us help each other to promote our tradition and heritage because this is part of the story and history of every Laoageño,” she said. 

The calesa entry of the Ilocos Norte Travel Agency Association (INTAA) won the P25,0000 grand prize as the best decorated carriage while the entry of RC Farinas Rentals and Cement was ranked 2nd and won P20,000 cash. 

The calesas of Nueva Segovia Consortiums Cooperative (NSCC) and Pah Ramen were third and 4th respectively and were awarded P15,000 and P10,000.

Victorino V. Dominggo Jr., who has been a kutsero or rig driver since the 1980s, said the activity is a big morale boost to people like him.

“As a member of the Kalesa Association of Laoag, I am proud to be a participant and also got an award in the parade. I became a kutsero around 1984 and it’s good to see that the calesa industry is still alive to this day. There’s been a decrease in customers in the past few years but we usually see customer increase during the holiday and summer seasons because of tourists,” he said.

Meanwhile the City Veterinary Office is looking into support programs to ensure the health of the horses used for calesas.

“I am looking forward to meet with the kutseros to know what veterinary services they need. Although I can see we can start with de-worming and administration of vitamins,” said city veterinarian Dr. Samantha Licudine. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)