Pista sa Dagat is part of the Information Education Campaign (IEC) of the Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA) that showcases the importance of the bay and its resources by involving the community and other stakeholders in all its fun-filled activities. The first celebration started last August 14, 2013 at Barangay Loguilo, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental with the cooperation of its 3 coastal barangays.  This year, the Pista sa Dagat was not only attended by coastal communities but was also participated by the upland barangays signifying the interconnectivity of the ridge, river and reef ecosystems.  

Conducted last August 8, 2014, the Municipality of Alubijid in coordination with the MBDA and Xavier University – McKeough Marine Center (XU-MMC), celebrated the 2nd Pista sa Dagat with the theme: “Atong Kabaybayonan, Atong Kinabuhi”. The Town Mayor, Hon. Mayor Alvin Giovanni Labis, stressed the importance of the protection of the environment through the Ridge-to-Reef approach, thus the participation of the upland communities. Also in attendance were Hon. Vice Mayor Emmanuel Jamis, the SB Committees, Barangay Captains and MBDA partners namely PNP Maritime Group, PCG and BFAR X to witness this event.

The fluvial parade marked the start of the celebration and was followed by various activities such as jingle-, poster-, and mascot-making contests, boat racing, sand castle building, the traditional palo sebo, and many more.  As part of XU-MMC’s campaign on marine conservation, the center facilitated the quiz show which was participated by high school and elementary students. Here, they learned a lot about the marine environment and its resources.  Children were also encouraged to participate by pointing out the importance of the resources that can be found in their coastal areas.  

At the end of the day, the Alubijidnons did not only have fun but went home bearing with them the knowledge on how to protect the watersheds, rivers and coastal areas.