Bilbil village in Madang Province has revived one of its proudest traditions with the launch of a Balangut canoe, marked by a modest yet meaningful ceremony attended by Acting Provincial Administrator, Daniel Aloi.
Speaking at the event, Aloi urged the community to safeguard their cultural heritage, reminding them that while Bilbil is known for clay pots and grass skirts, the Balangut also holds an important place in their history.
While highlighting the importance and need need to pass on the knowledge and skills of canoe-making to the younger generation stating that, “You must tell your own story, not let others tell it for you.”
He encouraged the villagers to maintain the practice of building and using Balangut, just as they have preserved the art of clay pot making, so that the tradition continues into the future.
The newly built Bilbil Balangut is set to sail alongside the Riwo Balangut during the traditional canoe festivities at Tusbab Beach on September 13, as part of the lead-up to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on September 16.
