ANG MALAKING BAHA

The most extensive flood so far that hit Santiago City.

On May 5, 2009, torrential rain hit parts of northern Luzon as the nation braced for the coming of tropical storm Emong.

In the afternoon of May 6, 2009, typhoon Emong started wreaking havoc. Typhoon signal No. 2 was raised in most parts of Northern and Central Luzon. In the evening of that same day, Magat dam started opening its gates and released water through its channels.

By 3:00 AM of the following day, May 7, 2009, most of the residents in the vicinity of rivers and irrigations in Santiago City were already up as water started rising. By 5:00 AM, some parts of the City, particularly in the poblacion area, were already submereged.

(Above and below) 1:30 PM - RC Miranda Bridge, Calao East. At 9:00AM, this bridge was totally submerged, only the top most part of the yellow railing is exposed.

Submerged up to the second floor

One of the survivors.

LGU Rescue Operative

igkhumtad ad majawjaw

IGKHUMTAD AD MAJAWJAW - Traditional Ritual performed by the village folks when work in the fields is done. The festivities are participated in by the beautiful and handsome folks, amongst the young and the old when they keep their working clothes and put on their full colorful traditional attire to celebrate the occassion. The signal of the beating of the gongs with the tune of ethnic musical instruments, dancing and chants becomes a soulful communion amongst the folks, extending their joy through story telling and chanting until dusk. The men test their strength and prowess thru ethnic sports and games. Drinking of rice wine ("pfajah"), butchering of pigs and chicken, feasting on the bountiful harvest as blessing from the "Namajang" Creator in an atmosphere of merry making, dominates the day.

In contemporary times, the "Igkhumtad" is transformed into a community cultural festival showcasing the heritage of the town of Mayoyao and participated by its 27 barangays through ethnic sports, games, cultural performances, creative native arts and crafts, in an atmosphere of competition and merry making.

IGKHUMTAD AD MAJAWJAW

April 25 -29, 2009