“GAKIT” is a Gaddang term for raft or balsa. It is made of several bamboo poles bonded together by using bamboo ropes (bamban). In the older days, it is used as a means of transportation by the natives of Angadanan ( the Gaddangs) to crossover the East and West Districts of the municipality divided by the Cagayan River. They used it for commerce and trade to transport their goods within the town and other neighboring municipalities. In times of rest, they used the same for leisure as they allow it to float along the Cagayan River while they relax. To the people of Angadanan, the Gakit is a symbol of unity, cooperation, strength and endurance. Bamboos and “kawagan” grow along the riverbanks, plains, forest, hillsides and in almost all places in the municipality. Because of its abundance, the people made use if this indigenous material to build the “Gakit”.

Before the construction of the “Gakit”, a religious ritual the “IMMUNU” is performed. This is done the safety travel of the “Gakit” users as they traverse the mighty Cagayan River. The owner of the “Gakit”, together with the “mengal” (prayer person) brings a big chicken and native black pig to the place of construction. First, the “mengal” chants a sacred hymn, after which the chicken’s neck is cut and severed thru one swift of strong bolo cut. The headless chicken is allowed to run while its blood splutters in all directions. Also, the blood of the chicken is placed in the forehead of the owner of the Gakit. Where the chicken stiffens, the prayer is said. The “mengal” brings the chicken home, dresses and cooks it for his food. It is forbidden for the owner to partake of the food. It is only after this religious ritual that the actual construction process begins. After the construction of the “Gakit”, the “wari” (food offering) consisting of a cup of cooked glutinous rice, one boiled egg, one glass of “binarayan” (sugarcane wine) three “mama” (betel nut, lime, gawed), three tobacco cigars, one glass of water, a piece of red and white cloth, is brought to the river bank at six o’clock in the evening. The spirits are called and asked to partake of the food. The “wari: is left overnight and scattered in the rivers as the sun rises the following morning. 

The “Gakit” Fluvial Festival has been conceptualized for the people of Angadanan to look back appreciate their history and culture and to rekindle their awareness as regards to their identity. The present leaders believe that the road to progress and development can be achieved if we know how to look back from our forefathers and be grateful for what they have labored for.