Gerawat (third right) joins (from left) Peter, Ahmad Denney, Paulus, Mary, Hasbi, Antonio and other guests in a traditional ceremony held to mark the celebration.

 
 

Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang and his wife Mary Sindang, Limbang Resident Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, Sarawak Bisaya Association (PBS) president Antonio Kahti Galis and his deputy Peter Sawal, as well as local community leader Temenggong Nicholas Boyok Pura were also present at the event.

Meanwhile in his remarks, Gerawat said one of the objectives behind the grand organisation of Babulang Festival was for other communities to know about, learn and appreciate the culture and traditions of the Bisayas.
“Knowledge about other communities is essential to foster racial harmony.

“The Babulang Festival also helps us preserve traditions and at the same time, enrich the national heritage.”
Gerawat suggested that the festival be documented using the latest technology so that it could be made one of the tourist attractions in the division.

“The festival could also be used as a platform for all communities to interact and this, in turn, could strengthen racial unity and harmony in Sarawak,” he said, adding that the festival could also promote buffalo-racing as a unique local folk sport.

Later, Gerawat announced government grants of RM50,000 from Uggah, as well as RM15,000 from himself, for the organisation of the annual festival.