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| Northern Samar Province is set to celebrate its 58th anniversary with the exciting debut of the Ibábao Festival. Photo: Ibabao Festival/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar Province is set to celebrate its 58th anniversary with the highly anticipated debut of the Ibábao Festival. From June 4 to 19, the province will host exciting events showcasing its rich history, cultural heritage, and thriving tourism.
The local government officially announced the festival, coinciding with the province's founding anniversary. Governor Edwin Ongchuan expressed his commitment to making this milestone celebration even more significant by involving all 24 component municipalities and engaging various sectors of the provincial community, including agriculture, fishery, youth, senior citizens, business, tourism, and other industries.
At the heart of the festival lies the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair, which will take place at the capitol grounds throughout the event. The fair aims to spotlight the province's indigenous agricultural products and locally made goods, providing an opportunity to explore Northern Samar's vibrant culture and economic potential.
The festival will commence with a grand Float Parade in Catarman, the provincial capital, on June 4. Local government units will participate in this event, which signifies an important chapter in the province's history.
A major highlight of the Ibábao Festival is the Festival of Festivals on June 18. This grand gathering will bring together the various towns of Northern Samar to showcase their unique festivals. The University of Eastern Philippines Grandstand in Catarman will serve as the venue for this dazzling display of culture and tradition, promising a memorable experience for attendees.
Adding to the festivities is the Search for Mutya san Ibábao, a beauty pageant that honors the province's remarkable women and their distinctive qualities. The talent night is scheduled for June 13 in San Roque, leading to the coronation night on June 17 at the UEP Amphitheater in Catarman.
The Ibábao Festival encompasses a range of additional events, including the Northern Samar Business Conference, cultural night, a concert featuring popular band Ben and Ben, a night market, mass bloodletting, a commemorative program for the founding anniversary, and the prestigious Kauswagan awards.
Governor Ongchuan expressed his sincere hope that the Ibábao Festival would not only celebrate the province's cultural heritage but also foster cultural awareness and deepen appreciation for Northern Samar's history. Ultimately, he aims to instill a sense of pride, integrity, understanding, and unity among both present and future generations of Norte Samarnons.
As Northern Samar Province commemorates its 58th anniversary, the Ibábao Festival is a testament to its vibrant culture and thriving tourism. (Source: PNA)