MATAG-OB, Leyte – Hundreds of residents and visitors flocked to the streets to watch the second Himorasak Festival Parade and Dance Competition here.
The month-long celebration of the second Himorasak Festival culminated with a street parade followed by the festival dance competition of eight clusters representing the 21 barangays at the Matag-ob Freedom Park.
Mayor Bernandino Tacoy on Wednesday, September 27, expressed optimism that the event will boost their agriculture and tourism industry.
"The celebration of the Himorasak Festival focuses on tourism and agriculture. One of its highlights is the ‘rice derby,’ which not only focuses on looking for the particular products, fertilizers, and seeds that match our type of soil here in Matag-ob, but also finding ways to help our farmers increase their yield," Tacoy said.
Tacoy added that they are also exploring other technologies that would help their farmers.
Department of Tourism-8 Director Karen Tiopes lauded the local government unit of Matag-ob for organizing a festival that would showcase their identity.
Tiopes backed their plan to invite other towns to perform in next year's grand festival showdown.
Himorasak, a local word for abundance, is celebrated in September in time for the rice harvest season in the town.