IF things run as planned, the first “international cruise ship†to call on the port of Catagbacan in Loon is a Spanish Galeon.
Governor Edgar Chatto said this, as the first phase of the cruise port project has been completed, and in no time at all, will be ready to berth a Spanish sailing galleon.
The galleon, which is set to arrive in Bohol a few days after October 8, would have students on an educational tour of the country, revealed event organizers from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
On October 8, as the country and Madrid in Spain as well as Acapulco in Mexico commemorates the Dia del Galeon to bring up the historic journey Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, which started in 1565.
The cruise ship port of Catagbacan in Loon in a natural harbor of deep waters and is seen as the most ideal port for international cruise liners as it would not hamper with the operations of a regular port serving trade and commerce, Chatto explained.
And as the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade lasted for another 250 years after 1565, history would tell that the extensive commerce brought about by the trade also gave way to cultural exchange, and became a vehicle for religious missions.
Because of the scope and historical significance of this historical episode in the country, "Dia de Galleon" was conceptualized, as Senator Edgardo Angara who initiated steering committee to forward "Dia de Galleon" was quoted in government websites.
Since the return route of the galleons from the Philippines to Mexico happened sometime November or October it was suggested that the official "Dia de Galleon" day will be on the first week of October, Angara was quoted again.
And as the Manila-Acapulco galleons served not just as carriers of trade but transmitters of culture, the commemorative run would reestablish the link it has created with Asia and the Americas, Europe and Africa, said UNESCO Jakarta director Hubert Gaijzen last July.
It may be recalled that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through Jakarta Director Gijzen launched the Dia del Galeon in Bohol last July 22.
The launching also complemented the series of activities set for the celebration of Bohol Day.
The commemorative runs by the galleon is also seen in the light of the declaration of 2010 as the “International year for the Rapprochement of Culturesâ€, which highlights the important links amongst and the diversity of cultures.
Meanwhile the completion of the second phase of the Catagbacan Port would surely establish Loon town as a new hub of tourism, trade and intercultural exchange activities, asserted Mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez. (racPIABohol)
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