What may sound like a silly term uttered by children at play will become a part of the cultural heritage celebration in Abucay.

The Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council) of Abucay in its regular session on November 18, 2024 passed a resolution declaring April 29 of every year as the town’s celebration of “Sambalekatungtong,” a religious heritage of Abucay.

The Sambalekatungtong, the ordinance said, is recognized as the oldest religious ritual dance in the municipality of Abucay celebrated every April 29 to honor the feast of St. Peter de Verona, martyr known locally as Apo Antin.

The ritual dance reenacts the sacrifice of St. Peter de Verona, embodying the religious devotion and cultural identity of the people of Abucay.

It is the policy of the Local Government Unit of Abucay to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage including religious traditions that have shaped the community’s identity and faith, said the ordinance.

Abucay Mayor Robin Tagle said there is still a need for further research on the supposed native dances of Bataan to preserve “our cultural heritage and unique traditions.”

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