MATAG-OB, Leyte – The Department of Tourism-8 lauded this municipality for successfully holding the third Himorasak Festival Grand Showdown on Sunday, September 22.
NATIVE dancers perform at the Himorasak Festival in Matag-ob, Leyte on Sunday, September 22.
DOT-8 Regional Director Karen Tiopes said she has witnessed the transition of the festival from a beginner to a much better festival.
“If you saw the festival, it was really well-managed. The movements were synchronized and the costumes and storylines were consistent. It reflects on the discipline of the contingents and their desire to come up with a festival that they can be truly proud of," Tiopes said.
Cavinti, Laguna Mayor Arrantlee Arroyo, who also attended the festival, expressed intention to help the town develop its tourism industry by sharing its best practices.
"We have tourism-related ordinances and ordinances that will help increase their income in tourism-related activities," he said.
Arroyo added that they want to partner with Matag-ob through a sisterhood agreement.
Cavinti is known for Cavinti Falls, formerly known as the Pagsanghan Falls. It is also the home of Caliraya and Lumot Lakes.
The municipality prides itself for surface water sports activities and sports fishing, and other agro and eco-tourism sites.
Mayor Bernandino Tacoy also expressed gratitude to their guests, citing that they have always been open to partnerships just like the BDO-LS Alliance that they have with four other municipalities in the fourth district of Leyte.
"The partnerships and sharing of ideas help us improve our leadership and implementation of projects that will benefit our town," Tacoy said.
Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Special Projects Ferdinand Jumapao also graced the festival.