LALA, Lanao del Norte (PIA) -- The vibrant celebration of the 23rd Alimango (Crab) Festival, coinciding with the celebration of the 75th Araw ng Lala, served as a reminder to the residents of their responsibility to preserve marine resources. 

Mayor Angel "Tata" Yap emphasized the significance of the festival in showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Lala and promoting sustainable living practices.  

“The Alimango Festival holds a special place in our hearts, as it honors the alimango as a symbol of abundance and prosperity in our coastal town. Through this festival, we pay tribute to our local fishermen, whose hard work provides us with delicious seafood and sustains our livelihood,” he said. 

Moreover, the mayor also called on everyone to reflect on the importance of preserving marine resources through initiatives like sustainable fishing practices, coastal cleanup, and mangrove protection to ensure that the future generation will continue to enjoy the bounty harvests. 

The celebration featured a variety of activities. Four schools in the town competed in the Alimango street dancing and showdown competition.  

Contingents adorned in costumes with vibrant colors danced gracefully to pay homage to the playful nature of crabs, which are abundant in the town. 

Lala National High School from Barangay Maranding emerged as the champion and received a cash prize of P70,000. They also won the awards for Best in Choreography, Best in Musicality, and Best Festival Queen.

Christ the King College de Maranding secured the first runner-up spot and won a cash prize of P50,000. They also received awards for Most Lively Contingent, Best in Costume, and Best in Street Parade.

Meanwhile, Lanao School of Science and Technology Inc. earned the second runner-up spot and received a cash prize of P30,000. They also won the Best in Alimango Steps Award.

Lanipao Catholic High School emerged as the third runner-up and won a cash prize of P15,000. They also received recognition as the Most Disciplined Contingent.

“Gusto nako pasalamatan ang Ginoo, among trainor kay sila nag-train sa among dance, ug ang Barangay Maranding nga nagsponsor sa amo,” KJ Amen of  Lala National High School said.

[I want to thank the Lord, our trainer, and Barangay Maranding for sponsoring us.]

Meanwhile, Alexis Dane Barrido from Christ the King College de Maranding participated in the festival for the second time. She also hoped that their town would continue to prosper. For Irish Mae Panogaling from Lanipao Catholic High School, the festival provided an opportunity for her to make friends and learn from one another.

Moreover, the local government unit provided a seed fund of P150,000 for each contingent, while Lemuel Bobong Yap, barangay chairperson of Maranding, added P50,000 for each contingent.

“Nakita nako grabe ilang hago. Kadlawaon nimata, kada gabii mu-practice, pagkaudto mu-practice pa gyud. Kinahanglan gyud matagaan ilang kahago og suporta nga malipay pud sila,” he said.

[I saw their hard work. They practice early in the morning and every evening, even at noon. They really need to be given recognition and support so they will be happy.]

Moreover, in the Alimango-inspired booth competition, Barangay Raw-an won first place,  Barangay Rebe took second place, and  Barangay Abaga took third place.  For the Best Lupon ng Barangay (Best Barangay Council), Barangay Simpak secured first place, followed by Barangay Darumawang Ilaya  and Barangay Maranding, respectively. 

Residents and tourists also enjoyed a free concert featuring bands VJosh Tribe and Siakol during the evening. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)