Bislig City is a 4th class city in the province of Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Philippines. Bislig is approximately 208 kilometers northeast of Davao, 152 kilometers south of Tandag City (the provincial capital) and 158 southeast of Butuan City. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 107,960 people in 18,269 households. It is known as – a city by the bay – because most its land mass occupying the scenic bay facing the great Pacific Ocean. Bislig City owns the whole part of the bay. No more, no less. Bislig have a bay in honor to its name. Bislig City got its name from a forest vine of the rattan family that grew in abundance along the banks of its rivers.
Bislig City hosts an annual festival called “The Karawasan Festival” during the charter day of the city on September 18 which features an inter-school ethnic dance competition. Karawasan came from a local dialect which means “movement of the crabs” and as it says, the dancers depicts the movement of crabs. This festival attracts tourists; it is always done every year. But why Karawasan? Karawasan is actually a collective name given to the member of the crab family found to be great in the salty and freshwater of Bislig. The lavishness of such local marine resource has, in fact, made Bislig City known to other places in the country.
A cultural heritage festival can provide the continuation of the cultural traditions and historical knowledge of a community. For a heritage festival to be successful, it is important to have active involvement from local residents, with representatives from a variety of schools. Involving the community assists in the process to find the right people to conduct programs, to assist or sponsor the event, and to promote the event within the region. Using local talent ensures a good community effort and gives a distinct "sense of place" for historical regional accuracy.
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