Mensahe ni Gasan Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim tungkol sa nakaraang eleksyon

"SAPAGKAT HINDI PO TAYO NAGWAGI SA HANGARING MAKAPAGSERBISYO BILANG GOBERNADOR NG LALAWIGAN, TAOS PUSO AKONG NAGPAPASALAMAT SA 34,800 VOTERS NA NAGREGALO NG KANILANG MAHALAGANG BOTO SA AKIN AT SA BAYAN. MARAMING SALAMAT PO, KAYO AY TUNAY NA NAGMAMAHAL SA BAYAN AT NAGMAMALASAKIT NA ISULONG ANG PAGBABAGO AT MAGANDANG KINABUKASAN NG NAPAKARAMING NAGHIHIRAP NA KABABAYAN.

"MASAYANG TINANGGAP KO ANG PAGKATALO AT TAAS NOONG MAIPAGMALAKING NANINDIGAN TAYO HANGGANG SA HULING ORAS NG ELECTION WALA TAYONG BINILI NI ISANG BOTO.

"...SADYANG HINDI PA HANDA ANG KARAMIHANG BOTANTE SA TUNAY NA PAGBABAGO. KUNG KAILAN SILA MAGIGISING AT MAGING HANDA, DI NATIN MATITIYAK, PANGINOONG DIOS LANG ANG NAKAKAALAM."

TO ALL MY FACEBOOK FRIENDS,

MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA LAHAT NG PAGBATI NUNG MOTHERS DAY AT PATI PO SA LAHAT NG SUPORTA AT MALAKING TIWALA SA AKING GINAWANG SERBISYONG MATAPAT AT SAKRIPISYO UPANG ANG GASAN AY MAGKAROON NG MALAKING PAGBABAGO. AKO AY LABIS NA NAGPAPASALAMAT SA LAHAT NG MGA KABABAYAN NATIN NA TUMULONG UPANG MAGTAGUMPAY TAYO SA ATING PANGARAP NA MAPAUNLAD ANG GASAN.

AT SA MGA WALANG NAITULONG PWEDE PO BA TANGGAPIN AT IPAGMALAKI ANG MAGANDANG PAGBABAGO SA ATING BAYAN NA HINAHANGAAN SA BUONG MARINDUQUE?

WAG PO NATIN SIRAIN ANG ATING BAYAN, NG DAHIL LANG SA PULITIKA. MAGTATAPOS NA ANG SERBISYO KO BILANG MAYOR SA JUNE 30,2016. AT SA PAGPAPALIT NG PINUNO DALANGIN KO IPAGPATULOY ANG MGA IIWANAN KONG PROYEKTO NG MAHUSAY AT MAGING HIGIT NA MAUNLAD ANG BAYAN AT MAMAMAYAN NG GASAN.

SAPAGKAT HINDI PO TAYO NAGWAGI SA HANGARING MAKAPAGSERBISYO BILANG GOBERNADOR NG LALAWIGAN, TAOS PUSO AKONG NAGPAPASALAMAT SA 34,800 VOTERS NA NAGREGALO NG KANILANG MAHALAGANG BOTO SA AKIN AT SA BAYAN. MARAMING SALAMAT PO, KAYO AY TUNAY NA NAGMAMAHAL SA BAYAN AT NAGMAMALASAKIT NA ISULONG ANG PAGBABAGO AT MAGANDANG KINABUKASAN NG NAPAKARAMING NAGHIHIRAP NA KABABAYAN.

MASAYANG TINANGGAP KO ANG PAGKATALO AT TAAS NOONG MAIPAGMALAKING NANINDIGAN TAYO HANGGANG SA HULING ORAS NG ELECTION WALA TAYONG BINILI NI ISANG BOTO. DI KO KAYANG SIRAIN ANG PANGAKO KAY BISHOP JUNIE AT SA MGA TAONG SIMULAT SIMULA PA NG PAKIKIPAG UGNAYAN SA MGA BARANGAY NG BUONG MARINDUQUE AY SINABI KO NA HINDI AKO MAMIMILI NG BOTO UPANG MAIPAKITA SA BUONG PILIPINAS NA MARARANGAL ANG MGA BOTANTE NG MARINDUQUE.

WALA PO TAYONG MAGAGAWA SINIKAP KONG MARATING LAHAT PATI KASULOK SULUKAN AT KABUNDOK BUNDUKAN NG BUONG MARINDUQUE UPANG MAKILALA AKO AT MAIPALIWANAG ANG LAYUNIN KO BILANG GOBERNADOR...

SADYANG HINDI PA HANDA ANG KARAMIHANG BOTANTE SA TUNAY NA PAGBABAGO. KUNG KAILAN SILA MAGIGISING AT MAGING HANDA, DI NATIN MATITIYAK, PANGINOONG DIOS LANG ANG NAKAKAALAM.....

MULI MARAMING SALAMAT PO AT SANA PATULOY TAYONG GABAYAN NG DIOS AMA SA LANGIT SA PAGTAHAK SA TUNAY NA MATUWID NA LANDAS AT NAAAYON SA KANYANG KALOOBAN.

SUMASAINYO AT NAGMAMAHAL,

MAYOR VICKY LIM

Cardinal Vidal, Mayor Vicky Lim's birthday today

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma greets his predecessor Ricardo Cardinal Vidal on his 85th birthday on Saturday, February 6. Cardinal Vidal is a native of Mogpog, Marinduque

Also celebrating her birthday today is Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim of Gasan, Marinduque. Mayor Vicky is running for governor of Marinduque in this year's elections.

Search for G. & Bb. Gasan 2012

G. at Bb. Gasan 2012 Winners

The “Araw ng Gasan” weeklong festivities are aimed to showcase “the fecundity and uniqueness of our indigenous culture thus strengthening the awareness, appreciation and pride of every Gaseno”, stated Gasan Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim in her festival message. “The success of our celebration is anchored in community engagement and involvement in all the activities.”

The week-long activities, all of which were concluded with resounding success indeed, ranged from Fun Run (Aug 13), Bibong Batang Gaseno (Aug 14), Walkathon (Aug 15), Bakbakan sa Araw ng Gasan (Boxing, Aug 16), Layag Contest and Bancathon (Aug 17), Palaro ng Lahi and Singing Contest (Aug 18), Search for G. at Bb. Gasan 2012 (Aug. 19), Kalesayahan Festival, Drum & Glockenspiel Corps Competition, Awards Night & Pasayaw ng Bayan (Aug 20).

From left to right: Unica Vargas, Brgy. Tiguion; Rose Ann Par, Brgy. Mahunig; (Bb. Gasan 2012): Ryalyn Joy Sadiwa, Brgy. Bachao Ilaya;(Bb. Gasan Turismo);  Jerlyn Sotta, Brgy. Pinggan; Gladys Aulea Vitto,  Brgy. Banuyo; Shaira Mae Drilon, Brgy. Uno (Bb. Gasan Kalikasan).

From left to right: Arjay Montiel, Brgy. Banuyo; Arpe Tan, Brgy. Tiguion; Michael Fanoga, Brgy. Bacong-Bacong; (G. Gasan 2012); Erickson Palosa, Brgy. Mahunig; (G. Gasan Kalikasan); Mark Jero Bagaporo, Brgy. Dili; (G. Gasan Turismo); Richmond Seno, Brgy. Uno.

Bb. Unica Vargas

G. Arjay Montiel

Bb. Rose Ann Par

G. Michael Fanoga

Bb. Ryalyn Joy Sadiwa

 

Bb. Gasan 2012 was crowned by Mayor Vicky Lao Lim and
Congressman Lord Allan Velasco

Bb. Gasan Kalikasan, Bb. Gasan 2012 and  Bb. Gasan Turismo

G. Gasan 2012, G. Gasan Turismo and G. Gasan Kalikasan

Pageant photos courtesy of Agelio Sena.

Search for G. & Bb. Gasan 2012 video:

Treasure Hunt: Gasan SB conducts ocular inspection, urges Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim, officials to intervene

And so it goes, that after the treasure-hunting reports reached the municipal authorities in Gasan, (and that's before I started blogging about it), the Sangguniang Bayan conducted an ocular inspection of the place in question and found out "that efforts have been done to protect the place due to the regular visibility of law enforcers in order to deter other people from intrusion to the expected treasures thereat".

The said Resolution also stressed that "at present, the place marked as a potential site of hidden treasures is still being strictly guarded to the extent that even the barangay officials of Bahi are prohibited to get into the place".

The Gasan SB is therefore urging Gasan Mayor Victoria A. Lao-Lim "to intervene with the on-going hunt for treasures at the river or estuary in Bahi, Gasan, Marinduque"

Full text of said Resolution No. 2011-128 dated May 23, 2011 follows:

Republic of the Philippines
MUNICIPALITY OF GASAN
MARINDUQUE

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF GASAN, MARINDUQUE HELD AT THE MUNICIPAL SESSION HALL ON MAY 23, 2011

PRESENT:
Hon. Servillano M. Balitaan Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer
Hon. Nancy Arca-Iturralde Councilor
Hon. Elisa J. Lao Councilor
Hon. Celia Margarita L. Asuncion Councilor
Hon. Yudel A. Sosa Councilor
Hon. Ederlinda R. Sadiua Councilor
Hon. Jose Maria A. Sore Councilor
Hon. Consuelo S. Salcedo Councilor
Hon. Virgilio V. Rodil Councilor/Vice-President Liga ng mga Barngay
Hon. Heraldine M. Lim Councilor/President, Sk Mun. Federation

ABSENT:
Hon. Rodolfo D. Caparros Councilor
===========================================================================



RESOLUTION NO. 2011-128

A RESOLUTION STRONGLY URGING HONORABLE MAYOR VICTORIA A. LAO LIM TO INTERVENE WITH THE ON-GOING HUNT FOR TREASURES AT THE RIVER OR ESTUARY IN BAHI, GASAN, MARINDUQUE

WHEREAS, report has reached this august body that an on-going treasure hunting is transpiring at the river or estuary in Bahi, this municipality;

WHEREAS, alarmed by this report the Sangguniang Bayan conducted an ocular inspection of the place immediately after the declaration of recess of the regular session of May 16, 2011 and found out that efforts have been done to protect the place due to the regular visibility of law enforcers in order to deter other people from intrusion to the expected treasures thereat;

WHEREAS, at present, the place marked as a potential site of hidden treasures is still being strictly guarded to the extent that even the barangay officials of Bahi are prohibited to get into the place;

WHEREAS, it has been the policy of the State that the barangay and municipality or city where the natural resources are found has direct jurisdiction and rightful claim of such;

WHEREAS, Municipal Ordinance No. 119 Series of 2010 regulates treasure hunting in the entire jurisdiction of Gasan and same provides other stipulations and conditions pertaining to treasure hunting which must be adhered to by all concerned;

WHEREAS, Section 292 (a), (2) of RA 7160 and Article 389 (a) explicitly provide the allocation of shares of the barangay, the municipality and the province to whatever natural wealth is exacted within their area of jurisdiction;

NOW THEREFORE, on motion of Councilor Celia Margarita L. Asuncion, seconded unanimously, it was

RESOLVED, as it was hereby resolved to Strongly Urge the Honorable Mayor Victoria A. Lao Lim to Intervene With the On-going Hunt for Treasures at the River Or Estuary in Bahi, Gasan, Marinduque.

RESOLVED FINALLY, that copies of this resolution be furnished the Honorable Mayor Victoria A. Lao Lim, the National Museum, Honorable Congressman Lord Allan Q. Velasco, Honorable Governor Carmencita O. Reyes, PNP Provincial Director, P/Sr. Superintendent Atty. Edwin C. Roque and Gasan PNP Chief of Police, P/Insp. Russel Dennis E. Reburiano and other offices concerned for their information, guidance and/or appropriate action.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: May 23, 2011

CERTIFIED CORRECT:
(SIGNED)
DANILO N. DE BELEN, Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan

ATTESTED AND CERTIFIED TO BE DULY ADOPTED:
(SIGNED)
SERVILLANO M. BALITAAN
Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer


Kite-flying is a favorite pastime for people of all ages in Gasan, so much so that kite-flying competitions are often part of municipal and barangay festivals here.

It is said that dreaming of kite-flying signifies immense treasure. But if a kite is seen falling upon the ground in a dream, it could spell disappointment.

Grassroots Power and Political Dynasties

Marinduque is only one of many provinces in the Philippines that has been dominated by political families. The Center for People Empowerment in Governance, a non-profit group advocates more grassroots participation in politics and opines that these families belong to the country’s economic elite, some acting as rule makers or patrons of politicians, who conspire together to amass greater economic power.

Many members of the dynasties may have developed a sense of entitlement or ownership of certain public positions as is the case in Marinduque, and many people particularly those in the lower strata accept the arrangement, believing that there’s nothing the poor and downtrodden can do about it anyway. Yet, there are also those among them who realize that the continuing poverty is really the end result of political dynasties clinging on to power through election cheating and manipulation that further breed corruption.

It was President Ferdinand Marcos who, indeed, put the blame on the old political dynasties as one of the causes why our society was sick and why there was need for reform. He proceeded to dismantle the old oligarchs who held economic and political power - only to replace them with new ones and cronies, some of them persisting until today.

Julio Teehankee, a political science professor at De La Salle University in Manila, once remarked that "continuing clan dominance is a product of the seemingly immutable and unequal socio-economic structure, as well as the failure to develop a truly democratic electoral and party system." The system is a vicious cycle, he said, one that prevents the expansion of the base of aspirants and candidates for representation. This all amounts to a political system dominated by patronage, corruption, violence, and fraud, he said.

(Newly elected SK youth leaders taking their oath. Rejecting moneyed envelopes.)

But today’s young people have begun their move to unite and challenge the corrosive system that those before them, in helplessness, merely accepted as inevitable. It might have been inspired by the sustained electronic media calls for change and a new beginning, calls that fortunately seem sustained.

Or it could just be an awakening from that long deep sleep.

“Pera lang ang katapat ng mga taga-Marinduque”, was a popular quote attributed to a local politician who referred to the masa’s supposed penchant for money as the only basis for voting.

Yet, the recent barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections (2010) here appears to have disproved this. The recent elections appear to be a deliberate and resounding rejection of this notorious character attributed by the politician to the Marinduque electorate.

(Marinduque Congressman Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco swears into office the recently elected barangay captains, barangay offficers and Sangguniang Kabataan members in the municipality of Gasan. The same exercise was repeated in the other municipalities.)

I therefore take my hat off to the newly elected barangay captains and chairmen of the sangguniang kabataan in the barangay, municipal and provincial levels. They overpowered the political patronage and sponsored money-for-votes system that were very much present, and curtailed them for a fresh start towards ‘change and honor’ and a chance for real grassroots democracy to work.

(Barangay captains of Gasan proved their point and the same gesture was echoed in the four corners of the island-province)

(At the mass oath-taking. From left,Councilor Maggie Asuncion, Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim and Congressman Allan Velasco)

(Second termer, Mayor Lao-Lim expressing her full appreciation to the youth's support and promise of cooperation)

Mayor Vicky Lim of Gasan as LMP National Treasurer

During the 1st National Directorate Meeting and Election of New Set of Officers for the Year 2010-2013 held in October 7-8, 2010 at Crown Plaza Hotel, Ortigas, Pasig City, her candidacy as national treasurer of the League of Municipaities of the Pilippines was uncontested.

The candidate, Mayor Vicky Lao Lim of Gasan, winning unopposed in the LMP, will therefore serve a three-year term as national treasurer of the League.

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) is composed of 1,502 member municipalities that are at the frontline of the silent battle against poverty. The organization is vital in rallying the municipalities towards governance reforms and delivery of services to the people.


(Lim with the other newly elected LMP officers)

Lim also holds the position as President of the LMP-Marinduque Chapter since the election for a new president in July 2010.

Destined to serve the public, her political career strives to continue. It is so because Mayor Lim experienced how good it was to start from the bottom to the top. When she was already posted at the high position, she knew how to handle people and nurture their career in important areas.

Lim, who broke the local town record as the first mayor to have been re-elected in Gasan has always been known as one who leads her life in accordance with her philosophy that poverty does not prevent anyone from reaching one's dream even in the island of Marinduque.

Gasan's Tourism Award

For many years during the last two decades the municipality of Gasan has received many awards as the cleanest and greenest municipality in the Southern Tagalog Region eventually being a hall-of-famer in this field. Various awards in the area of good governance has been likewise received by the municipl government of Gasan under the leadership of recently re-elected Mayor Vicky Lao Lim. (She made history in this year's local election by being the first re-elected Mayor of Gasan).

Gasan's being adjudged 1st runner-up for Best Tourism Practices by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) is another first for the town and for the province.

Above photo shows Gasan's designated tourism officer, Roselo "Celo" Salvacion (second from right), receiving the award from Dir. Grace Marzan of DOT. Others in photo are Butch Gerasmo, secretary-general, Norberto Arcangel, vice-president, Rosely Armida Merlin, ATOP president and Gerry Jamilla, Marinduque provincial tourism officer. Venue: Subic Bay Convention Center.

The Gasan Easter Festival

In 2002 a new daytime Easter festival for Gasan that involved wider participation by barangays residents was conceptualized. It was aimed to entice Holy Week visitors to stay longer in the island, particularly in Gasan that prided itself as the cultural nerve-center of Marinduque.

Gasan was where the moriones tradition, referred then as "Muryon" was discovered by Manila-based journalists in the 1960s. Prior to its 'discovery' there was no other account of any Philipine festival characterized by the use of masks. Years thereafter, the moriones festivities became centered in the town of Boac being the capital town where the moriones tradition had a considerable following.

"Gasang-Gasang Easter Sunday Festival" was thus introduced. (This blogger, who was invited in 2001 to take part in Gasan's cultural affairs by the mayor, Vicky Lao Lim, had thought of the name "Gasang-Gasang Festival", (gasang-gasang, corals, is where the name of the town originated), for another new festival to be held in August of each year to celebrate the town's founding anniversary.

Gasan's Lenten celebration organizers, Prof. Rex Asuncion and Councilor Joey Luna, however, decided to use that name instead for its Easter festival until it became officially adopted, through a resolution, by the municipal board).

This festival, although popular now and has attracted participation even by contingents from neighboring towns continues to evolve as it attempts to break away from apparent infuences in the sounds and street-dance movements from similar festivals elsewhere, such as Cebu's "Sinulog" and Iloilo's "Dinagyang".

Guidelines on the headgear and costume requirement are updated annually. This year, organizers introduced the use of native costumes and dances purportedy drawing inspiration from the Easter Salubungan's "Bati" dances, with costume changes incorporating the moriones regalia and "samaritana" costumes for the final act.

"Viva El Kristo", shouts are then heard in praise for the Risen Christ, apparently plucked from the popular cry, "Viva Senor Sto. Nino!"

Joining hands to preserve the Kalutang

In 2008, in consultation with Tirso Serdena, locally known as the Kalutang Playing Master and with Mayor Vicky Lao Lim of Gasan, I drafted a proposal entitled "Preservation of the Art of Kalutang Playing". This involved the participation of Serdena and some members of his group in the training of elementary and high school students in the rudiments of this unique art.

Traditionally, kalutang has been aassociated with Semana Santa and the moriones of this town as the moriones themselves bang these pairs of wood to produce the familiar sound signifing their presence. Until Serdena, in 1970, developed as entertainment, a series of such identical pairs capable of producing melodies.

(Tirso Serdena, the Kalutang master training the kids)

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts approved the project, recognizing the need to preserve, protect and promote this musical tradition and to ensure that the art is handed down to the next generation, approved a grant of Php 100,000 with the Municipal Government of Gasan as proponent.

The project has been implemented since March 2009 up to the present in fifteen elementary schools and five secondary schools in Gasan town.

Dr. Mauricia D. Borromeo, Vice-Chair of NCCA Committee on Music during a recent monitoring visit commented thus:

"Conceptual. Two levels of preservation were given due concern. The first concern being the kalutang’s traditional role and function in the Moriones Parade/March around the town as the principal “auditory signal” of the approach and presence of Moriones in the streets. Should other “signal equipment” be used or introduced, the kalutang should remain as the principal medium.


The second level refers to the “Art of Kalutang playing”. The instrument as presently crafted by the proponent is decidedly innovative and creative but it has set limits on the repertoire. Artistry in kalutang playing can be achieved through a systematic program of development in which pedagogy is crucial.

Pedagogical. A systematic graded program of teaching and learning needs to be designed to enable kalutang teachers to be effective and to facilitate the learning of students. The unique and necessary techniques of kalutang playing must be identified.

In preparation for artistry, a thorough training in musicianship (elements of music, music reading and performance) is needed. Pedagogically and musically sound teaching materials should be developed to build a rich repertoire not limited to simple folk songs."


According to Roselo Salvacion (Teatro Balangaw) of Gasan who was tasked as project coordinator, the same batch of elementary and high school students who were trained initially for 12 days in March 2009, continued training with the goal of performing in August 2009 for the 400th Anniversary of Gasan.

Music teacher, Norma Soldevilla of Marinduque Midwest College was also encouraged to get involved especially in terms of musicianship and repertoire.

Borromeo recommended to avoid competition at present. Recitals or festivals featuring achievements of students would be more positive and non-threatening, she said. Incentives in the form of performing at special community occasions or selected “free” instruments, or cash incentives to buy instruments may be given.


Borromeo also pointed out that potential kalutang players/trainers should receive musicianship training as well, i.e. music reading, harmony, and arranging songs for kalutang. Mr. Serdeña should be sent to seminar related to music, learning notes, pitches, and teaching methods.

Aware of the possibilities of a pair of kalutang that is capable of more than four pitches in order to have a complete set of major and minor scales (and chords), thus expanding and enriching kalutang repertoire, Boromeo also recommended that Serdeña increase the present range of four pitches to six and to include halfsteps.

Continued support to these efforts is seen, in more ways than one, as a true recognition of efforts, particularly those exerted by ordinary people, such as the original Serdena Kalutang group, in contributing to the community’s sense of culture, pride, and identity.

The positive impact of the project to the municipality’s tourism promotional efforts is also quite evident.

GASAN AT 400: "PINAKA" FOODFEST

“Pinaka” Foodfest is only one among Gasan’s many ways of celebrating its 400th anniversary this month. The biggest and tastiest of all home-made delicacies are judged and given prizes. All of the old town’s barangays joined the contest that also attracted tourists from as far as the Netherlands.


Some of the delicacies like suman sa ibus, biko, cassava pudding, espasol and sumang balinghoy are shown here together with their proud makers.


Last Sunday, a huge audience came to watch “Miss Gaysan 2009” beauty pageant for gays and “G-Dance Mania”, a modern dance competition held at the municipal tennis court. The contests lasted till 1:30 am. When almost everyone had left, Mayor Vicky Lao Lim was dismayed to see the enormous litter left behind by the crowd, as if people had forgotten that Gasan prided itself as the ‘cleanest and greenest town’ in the region.


Last night was “Harana” festival of Tagalog love songs sung in the days of yore. Today’s event is “Layag Ko”, at barangays Pinggan and Masiga, a painting competition of banca sails. This will be followed at 7:00 pm by “Gabi ng Kulturang Gasan” and “Bb. Gasan Talent Night”. Coronation night of BB. Gasan and Bb. Gasan Tourism on August 19 at 7:00 pm.

On August 20, the big day, “Kalesayahan Festival” of decorated horse-drawn calesas will start at 7:00 am, to culminate in the evening with “Gawad Awards Night” , “Rigodon and Lanceros” and a fireworks display.

LENT IN GASAN: MORE ON GASANG-GASANG FESTIVAL

This year is the seventh time that the Easter Gasang-Gasang Festival is being held in Gasan. It was initiated by Mayor Vicky Lao Lim in 2002 and was held annually up to 2005. It did not receive encouragement from the new municipal administration that took over in 2006 (and consequently was not held that year). In 2007, however, under the auspices of GASCUAF (Gasan Culture & Arts Foundation), a private foundation supported by Mayor Lao-Lim, Gasang-Gasang Festival" was revived but not without extreme pressure from the sitting administration then. GASCUAF and the participating contingents were not allowed to use public spaces (such as the Gasan Central School grounds and the Guingona Park). The organizers held this public activity in a privately owned niyugan, coconut farm in Libtangin, a few kilometers away from the town, where an open space was enough to accommodate a big-sized crowd.
There was no resistence when responsible members of the Sangguniang Bayan ng Gasan decided in the same year to adopt an ordinance declaring Gasang-Gasang Easter Festival as an officially-recognized festival of the said municipality with necessary funds to support it.

Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim won the elections in May 2007. Thus, highly successful and bigger "Gasang-Gasang Festivals" were held during the last three summers. It has found popular support and acceptance both here and abroad and has become the festival to see in Marinduque come Easter Sunday.