Revival of balangay aims for maritime, history awareness

The revival of the use of balangay aims to raise awareness on the kind of maritime transportation used by ancient Filipinos.

According to a Balitanghali report by Chino Trinidad on Tuesday, the group Voyage of the Balangay aims to show the present generation how the Pre-hispanic boats had an impact on early Filipinos' aspects of life such as trade, travel, and warfare.

"I-rephrase ko lang sinabi ni Rizal, sabi ni Rizal, only when the future generation of Filipinos can rediscover their maritime routes... can they be totally free to prosper as a nation," said Arturo Valdez, team leader of the Voyage of the Balangay.

"Ito naman is adventure na may kasamang history. Sa pagsakay namin ng bangka na ito, kasama dito ang pagbibigay namin ng awareness or pagbalik natin, or pagreconnect natin sa ating culture before," added Carina Dayondon, one of the crew members of the group.

The group is also conducting a sea cleanup drive to prevent the total destruction of the Philippines' bodies of water.

"Nagkakaroon kami ng scubasurero, biruin niyo 'yon nagdadive ka para linisin 'yung ilalim ng karagatan eh pwede naman sa ibabaw pa lang macontrol na natin na huwag magtapon ng basura, tapon dito, tapon doon," said John Paul Rodriguez, skipper of the group.

Voyage of the Balangay has planned to "retrace the migration of our ancestors across the oceans using only the native balangay, built faithful to the craftsmanship and materials used during the ancient times."

Watch the full report below:

— LA/KVD, GMA News