UPLB joined the first face-to-face celebration of the 21st Bañamos Festival, two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Ninety-two UPLB delegates participated in the civic parade held on Sept. 17 to celebrate the 407th founding anniversary of Los Baños.
Leading the UPLB contingent was Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roberto P. Cereno, who conceptualized the Bañamos Festival.
This year’s civic parade followed a new route starting from TRACE College, traversing the length of Lopez Avenue, and culminating at the UPLB Freedom Park. Also joining the activity were representatives from various sectors, including government agencies, academe, businesses, religious groups, and socio-civic organizations.
Before the parade, hundreds of bikers, enthusiasts, and tourists joined the “Padyak LB: Fun Bike Ride for a Cause.” The bike route included the UPLB campus as one of the converging stations.
Padyak LB was held for the benefit of women in Los Baños who have reproductive health issues. The proceeds of the fundraiser are intended to diagnose the disease and care for the affected.
Also included in the line-up of activities was the very first Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Trade Fair, which featured the town’s different local businesses and products.
The hot air balloon show was staged as a come-on for people to join the festive occasion at the UPLB lower field where it was held. The ride was not available to the general public and was held only for the spectators to “enjoy the scenic view of the UPLB horizon through the gigantic and colorful balloons.”
Bayle sa Kalye, a street dance competition held annually with Los Baños barangays participating, immediately followed at the UPLB Freedom Park. Declared champion in Bayle sa Kalye was Brgy Maahas, followed by Brgys Mayondon, Lalakay, Tuntungin-Putho, and San Antonio.
This is the first time after more than a decade that UPLB hosted the holding of Bañamos events on campus.
Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. issued Memorandum No. 103 Series of 2022 to encourage UPLB faculty and staff to participate in commemorating the town’s rich history and culture.
Through the Republic Act No. 11116, September 17 was declared a special non-working holiday in Los Baños to commemorate the town’s founding anniversary and the annual Bañamos Festival. (Roi Louis F. Mojado with information from the Facebook Page of the Municipal Government of Los Baños)
This article was originally published on the UPLB website.