ROXAS City – A homecoming of 200 Capiceños from abroad and other parts of the country was warmly ushered by the Capiz provincial government under its “Balik Capiz” initiative to rekindle, rediscover, and relive their love for the province.
The list includes Filipino film and television actor Lloyd Samartino, who hails from Ivisan town, and many others who joined a torch parade, punsyon and binayle.
Punsyon is an adaptation of a wedding reception and binayle is a benefit dance, which are both popular traditions in the province.
“We are not only the ones living in the province who must love Capiz but including all of you who are living outside the province,” said Gov. Fredenil Castro during the gathering of the returning Capiceños.
The Balik Capiz was part of the Capiztahan 2024 celebration from April 11 to May 1 this year.
The province has ventured into a campaign to attract Capiceños working outside the province to come home through its series of videos produced featuring the way of life and developments province-wide.
“I really love seafood,” said 52-year-old Joebert Alcazaren, who is working as a nurse in New Zealand for about 18 years.
Alcazaren, a native of Poblacion Norte in Ivisan, was also thankful to the provincial government for the privilege accorded to them, noting that his homecoming in the past years was all for personal engagements only.
He also joined hundreds of spectators during the historical parade and street dancing at the Roxas City Band Stand during the weekend highlight of the Capiztahan on April 27.
For her part, Santi Nonato Bayog, 78, from Las Piñas City, was thankful for the Balik Capiz and its activities which made her homecoming more memorable.
She added that she would tell and convince her family members and friends to visit the province and see for themselves the developments over the years.
The Balik Capiz Committee has also organized a “snack time” at the People’s Park in Barangay Baybay in this city and an outreach activity in Ivisan for the “homecoming” province mates. (Philippine Information Agency)