The cultural traditions, enriched by the innate artistry and craftsmanship of its people that are still being practiced in Cainta, Rizal, live on in the Sumbingtik Festival 2024.

The town government’s holding of the annual grand float parade which is part of the Sumbingtik Festival 2024, coined from the words, suman, bibingka and latik, three of the sweet delicacies in Cainta, served as testimony to how the people value their age-old traditions and practices.

The office of Mayor Elenita “Elen” Nieto said this year’s festival had attracted many tourists in and outside the town, including former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson.

Personnel of the Cainta Municipal Government, along with the residents, welcomed the former governor, who is also a senatorial candidate, as he joined the rest of the town in celebrating the town's 453rd foundation anniversary recently.

Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson in Muslim costume joined the float parade during Cainta's Sumbingtik Festival 2024. (Photo by Nel Andrade)

During the town's annual grand float parade, the Sumbingtik Festival 2024 held on Nov. 30, Singson arrived at the venue of the parade dressed in a Muslim costume.

In an interview, Singson said he would be willing to provide loans at zero interest, to the drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Singson, who is an independent senatorial candidate, told the Manila Bulletin that he will help the members of the transport sector, particularly the jeepney and the electronic vehicle drivers by financing their own PUVs.

The former governor, who was the guest of honor at the local government initiated event said he is willing to lend a capital, with no interest, to the PUV drivers, to uplift the livelihood of the members of the transport sector in the country.

“Lahat ng driver, pauutangin ko (I would lend all the drivers), Singson quipped.

During the same interview, the senatorial candidate added that he would initiate a legislation, to be titled as “Universal Basic Income Law” which calls for the giving of P500 to each unemployed adult Filipino citizens each month until they become employed.

He said he would prefer that the law be called as “Chavit 500” which according to him would give fair opportunity to all.

Singson also said that he would provide bank account to Filipinos by Dec.10 for free. He said giving the people access to their own bank account means teaching them the good habit of saving money.

The account, according to the former governor, will be handled by a bank and can be accessed by signing in using a mobile phone. He did not elaborate the registration procedure but said that the account can be created starting Dec. 10.

Several floats bearing participants wearing traditional Muslim attire were on parade during the event. Cainta Mayor Elen Nieto and her husband, municipal administrator Johnielle Keith “Kit” Nieto joined the float parade.

Mayor Elen Nieto is joined by the employees of the local government during the float parade. (photo by Nel Andrade)

Municipal Administrator Kit Nieto, dressed as Datu Maitan, during the float parade. (phot by Nel Andrade)

The celebration also showcased the Sumbingtik house façade decorations.

Tourists also visit the town to buy the sweet delicacies, the so-called “kakanin” which are made by residents in Barangay Sto. Niño themselves.

The annual festival in Cainta is included in the list of festivals of the Department of Tourism.