THE PROVINCE of Palawan will once again witness Saraotan sa Dalan, a street dancing competition offered by the provincial

government in celebration of its 107th Ci vil Government Anniversary on June 23, 2009 in the main streets of this city. A Cuyunon term, it means mass street dancing that was turned into a competition to highlight the skills and talents of local residents and to festivity of the fou nding of the province's identity as a government. The street dancing competition is open to all dance groups from the barangays, P uerto Princesa, all local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and private institutions in Palawan. Groups participating are required to perform dance repertoire that shall reflect the culture, music, traditions, ways of life, history, natural resources, and t he festivals celebrated in the province, according to Rolando E. Bonoan, Jr. of the Provincial Information Office. They are also encouraged to use indigenous materials that can be found in Palawa n in their costumes and other props, but not protected and banned species of tre es and others. Whoever will be found to be using such banned species as props an d costumes can be disqualified from the contest. Materials that will be used sho uld not also exceed 14 feet. The street dancing organizers also ban the use of pyrotechnics, and dance styles that will be risky for the performers and the viewers. Only live music is allow ed to be used by the participants. It is necessary, the provincial government says, that each group is composed of not less than 40 dancers and will not exceed 60. Each must have 25 drummers or m usicians. Groups that will not reach the required numbers, or will have more tha n, will just be considered as guest performers. Each group will be judged according to choreography, music, performance, costume , props and dance consistency. There will only be one judging and one showdown area and this will be at the Cap itol Park Square where 10-15 minutes will be given for each group performance. A one minute reading of the groups' synopsis will also be provided. Roving judges will be assigned from the start of the parade at the Cathedral. Th e champion of the Saraotan sa Dalan will receive P300,000 and a trophy, second P 200,000 and trophy and 3rd, P100,000 and a trophy.