Dancers of the Hugis Dance Project perform a cultural piece during the opening day of the 1st Butuan Balangay International Conference in Butuan City on Thursday, 18 September 2025. That enduring legacy is at the heart of the first-ever Butuan Balangay International Conference, which opened on Thursday, September 18, in this city regarded as the cradle of the ancient boat. Attendees of the 1st Butuan Balangay International Conference pose for a photo at the exhibits on Thursday, 18 September 2025. Butuan Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun told reporters that the international conference is of great significance to the city. Participants will visit heritage sites such as the Banza Church Ruins, Bading Balangay Boat Building Site, and the Butuan Boat 1 Site in Barangay Libertad.