How did the Musa Festival in Kapalong started?

In 1960's the banana plantation was started by the DOLE, the number 1 exporter
of bananas from Philippines, as they have the capacity to finance. Before, logging and
farming we're the main source of income of the locals in Kapalong. In 2000’s, DOLE
give back what they rent to the growers and now the bananas we're the primary high
value crops of Kapalong. There a lot of farmers who have converted their rice fields to
banana plantation for a better income. Most male workers have either job in a large
banana plantation or worked in their small banana farms, housewives on the other
hand, earns through selling grilled or fried banana, banana cue and other banana
delicacies. It has been giving the much needed employment of the locals, and has
made a great contribution in making Kapalong the first class municipality. Also a big part
on the improvement and development of Kapalong, as it contributed 50% of Davao del
Norte's supply for Cardaba banana. The Musa (banana) Festival was developed and
serves as the celebration for thanksgiving of the Kapalongians for the bountiful
agricultural blessings and vast supply of bananas. It was first observed on 31st of July
2004 on which highlights the Founding Anniversary of the Municipality of Kapalong, it
was then under Mayor Edgardo I. Timbol. It showcased the longest grilled banana
cardaba, the 1.1 kilometer grilled "ginanggang" Cardaba banana recorded during the
first Musa Festival. More than 20,000 sticks of Cardaba banana we're grilled in the 648
grilling stands produced by the 14 barangays of Kapalong. Also the gigantic banana
cake, which has a length of 3 meters and a diameter of 85 inches made up of 4,000
banana cupcakes and coated with 1,000 eggs and 1 sack of white sugar, and the base,
is 377 loaves of banana cake. It consumed 30 boxes of ripe Cavendish banana
provided by Stanfilco DOLE Philippines. And also the dazzling and vivacious
performance of the Musa festival dancers on streets was one the most awaited one.
Aside that it is a tourism investment promotional activity, this festival contribute
immensely to feelings of social cohesion. This celebration also focuses on cultural and
ethnic topics and seeks to inform community members of the traditions. It is important to
record this event for it is part and pride of the locals. Knowing the background would be
able to give the future generations the appreciation and becoming proud of their origin
place. It also served as the remembrance of the success of the place Kapalong.
MUSA (banana) FESTIVAL
Celebrated every 31st of July highlighting the Founding Anniversary of the
Municipality of Kapalong.

1st Musa Festival was celebrated on July 31, 2004 at the Town Center of Kapalong
featuring the longest grilled (ginanggang) Cardaba banana and biggest Cavendish
banana cake.

A. “GINANGGANG”
 B. GIANT CAVENDISH BANANA CAKE

Source: Department of Tourism in Maniki, Kapalong Davao Del Norte

 A Final Requirement in the
Readings of Philippine History

Article about the History of Musa Festival

Submitted by: Keziah B. Pilotos

Submitted to: Mr. Cyrill Jhun Pagatpat

October 2018