TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Northern Samar will celebrate the 1st Ibábao Festival in line with its 58th founding anniversary next month.
Gov. Edwin Ongchuan said they have lined up a series of events that will showcase the rich history, tourism, and cultural heritage of the province.
“Through the Ibábao Festival, we hope to foster cultural awareness, engender a deeper appreciation of the history, cultural heritage, and development of Northern Samar, and instill pride, integrity, understanding, and unity among the present and future generations of Norte Samarnons,” Ongchuan said.
The festival will be launched on June 4 with a grand float parade participated in by the 24 component municipalities around the capital town Catarman.
Northern Samar, referred to in the olden days as Ibábao, was known for the ancient valor and bravery of its people.
With the creation of the province of Northern Samar, separate from Eastern and Western Samar, in 1965, the place was thereafter formally known under its new name until today.
He added that the provincial government is steering Northern Samar into an era of continued economic growth, aptly commemorating its 58th year with the theme “Proudly Ibábaonon: Promoting Tourism, Preserving History, Sustaining Progress.”
The province will feature its indigenous agricultural and other homegrown products through the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair at the capitol grounds from June 4 to 19.
The 1st Festival of Festivals will bring together the many festivals observed by the different municipalities of Northern Samar on June 18.
A portrayal of local customs and traditions, colorful contingents from the participating local government units will dance to the beat of drums and local music at the University of Eastern Philippines Grandstand where the Festival of Festivals will take place.
Another highlight of the Ibábao Festival is the Search for Miss Northern Samar dubbed as “Mutya san Ibábao,” to honor the beauty and unique character of the Ibábaonon women.
Other events include the Northern Samar Business Conference, Cultural Night, Ben and Ben sa Ibabao Concert, Night Market, Mass Blood-Letting, Founding Anniversary Commemorative Program, and Kauswagan Awards.