Rahugan Festival is a cultural festival, coconut festival, founding anniversary, and religious fiesta in Basud, Camarines Norte, Philippines every October 24. A week-long event, it is held in conjunction with the feast of St. Raphael the Archangel, the patron of the town.
History of Rahugan Festival
The first Rahugan Festival was launched in 2008.
The name of the fest comes from rahug, which means a group of coconuts and also refers to strength in unity.
The celebration highlights the core values of the townsfolk, including close-knit ties, community spirit, and love for peaceful living.
History of Basud
The name of the town comes from basud that refers to delta, around which the aborigines lived. It is likewise the name of the river that enriches the surrounding land.
These first settlers had inhabited in the area before the coming of the Spaniards. They were vulnerable to Moro pirates that attacked and destroyed their dwellings, so they retreated to remote inland. When peace was restored, they returned to their home.
Spanish colonizers set up a centralized form of governance to better control the people, exact tributes, and enforce Catholic beliefs. Initially, the center of the settlement was in Pinagwarasan until it was moved to Napu.
Historically, it was organized in 1783 by founders Bartolome Quiñones and Florencio Era. A civil government was put up in 1902, ushering in Antonio Antonio Quiñones as the head of the town. However, it was combined with the nearby municipality of Daet two years later.
Basud became a separate town through Executive Order No. 114 that was issued in 1908.
Devotion to St. Raphael the Archangel
Spanish colonizers brought Christianity to Basud in 1651. The church they built was a visita of the parish in Daet.
In the 19th century, its people pushed for separation from Daet to become its own parish. Among the reasons for such a move was that the required number of tribute was fulfilled, the parish was far, and people had difficulty attending religious services.
Thus, Bishop Arsenio Campo elevated the visita and Basud became a parish on December 18, 1894. The first parish priest was Fr. Antonio Mariblanca.
How to reach Basud, Camarines Norte
One can travel by bus from Manila or you can also book a flight from Manila to Naga Airport in the province of Camarines Sur, and take any of the land-based trips which would be roughly about two hours.
References
- Seguridad sa mga araw ng Rahugan Festival pinatitiyak sa PNP. Brigada News. October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2023
- Francis Elevado. 1st Rahugan Fest matagumpay. The Philippine Star. October 26, 2008. Retrieved October 17, 2023
- 121 Years as a Parish. Parish of St. Raphael the Archangel, Basud, Camarines Norte. October 14, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2023
Rahugan Festival Summary
Name Rahugan Festival Church St. Raphael the Archangel Parish Country Philippines Date October 24 Duration 1 week Email lgubasud19@gmail.com Established 2008 Facebook www.facebook.com Location Basud, Camarines Norte Organizer Municial Government of Basud Patron St. Raphael the Archangel Religion Roman Catholic
| Name | Rahugan Festival |
|---|---|
| Church | St. Raphael the Archangel Parish |
| Country | Philippines |
| Date | October 24 |
| Duration | 1 week |
| lgubasud19@gmail.com | |
| Established | 2008 |
| www.facebook.com | |
| Location | Basud, Camarines Norte |
| Organizer | Municial Government of Basud |
| Patron | St. Raphael the Archangel |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |