The official mascot of Antique’s Binirayan Festival, “Puloy”, depicting the province’s two great ancestors – the Ati and the Malay, was unveiled on Monday.

Puloy and the official theme song of the province were introduced to highlight the Tourism Month Culmination Activity.

In his message, Antique Governor Paolo Everardo Javier invited visitors to come to the province and witness this year’s Binirayan Festival, which showcases the significant history and culture of the people.

“Through the Binirayan Festival, we are giving importance to those who have carried on or preserved our history and culture,” Javier said.

Puloy was first introduced as an Ati during the term of the incumbent governor’s father, Exequiel Javier, in 2010, according to Antique Provincial Tourism and Culture Affairs Office volunteer consultant Celestino Dalumpines IV.

The new mascot is now a “Kalibugan” or with brown skin, being a mixture of the Ati and Malay ancestors, to give importance to the province’s historical account, being the first Malay settlement.

The mascot is also wearing the golden “salakot” believed to be a gift of the Malay to the Ati when they first arrived in Panay island.

The mascot is also wearing a chaleco with a headband, and holding an armor, which both depict the Ati and Malay ancestors’ courage and resiliency.

As part of the Tourism Month culmination program, Senator Loren Legarda was given a prestigious award for being Antique’s forerunner in terms of promoting the province’s culture, arts, and history.

The award was received by her staff, Rhoda Pon-an, during the program.

The senator had worked for the restoration of the Balay na Bato, which is the only remaining stone house in San Jose de Buenavista; the Casa Tribunal, the over a century-old municipal hall in Patnongon; the baroque church in Anini-y, among others. (PNA)