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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOT: Cordillera festival brings nation's cultural heart to life

DOT: Cordillera festival brings nation's cultural heart to life

Published Oct 25, 2025 10:35 am  |  Updated Oct 25, 2025 02:26 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Tourism (DOT) hailed the Cordillera Festival of Festivals in Baguio City as a celebration of Filipino unity and heritage.
  • DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco described the event as a reflection of Cordilleran resilience and cultural pride.
  • The festival gathered contingents from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and the cities of Baguio and Tabuk.
  • Each participating group received ₱10,000 from the DOT in recognition of their contribution to preserving ancestral traditions.
Performers from Kalinga showcase the Bodong Festival during the Cordillera Festival of Festivals in Baguio City, celebrating peace, harmony, and cultural pride. (Trixee Rosel/MB)
Performers from Kalinga showcase the Bodong Festival during the Cordillera Festival of Festivals in Baguio City, celebrating peace, harmony, and cultural pride. (Trixee Rosel/MB)
The Department of Tourism (DOT) hailed the Cordillera Festival of Festivals in Baguio City as a vibrant celebration of Filipino unity and heritage that reflects the enduring spirit and cultural pride of the Cordilleran people.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the festival, held on Friday, Oct. 24, brought together the signature celebrations of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and the cities of Baguio and Tabuk.
She described the event as “a living chronicle of the Cordillera’s identity and a vibrant testament to the resilience of its people and the beauty of its heritage.”
In her keynote address, Frasco said the festival goes beyond tourism promotion, calling it “a revival of our shared spirit as Filipinos,” where every performance “beats with the memory of our ancestors and the promise of our future.”
The event opened with a Parade of Festivals from Harrison Road to Session Road.
Performers from across the highlands presented traditional dances, music, and storytelling that captivated both residents and visitors.
Abra’s Kawayan Festival was cited for outstanding choreography, while Apayao’s Say-am and Kalinga’s Bodong Festival were recognized for their remarkable use of instrumental and vocal music.
Benguet’s Adivay Festival received the Best Traditional Performance award, and Ifugao’s Gotad ad Ifugao was honored with the Best Storytelling Performance for its colorful portrayal of local rituals and delicacies.
Mountain Province’s Lang-ay Festival earned the Spirit of the Festival Award for highlighting unity through instrumental performance.
Tabuk City’s Matagoan Festival was named Cultural Ambassador, while Baguio’s Panagbenga Festival was voted Crowd Favorite for its floral-themed showcase.
As a gesture of appreciation, Frasco personally awarded ₱10,000 to each participating contingent, commending their artistry and commitment to preserving Cordillera’s ancestral traditions through cultural tourism.
She also emphasized that beyond the economic value of tourism, the nation’s true wealth lies in its people—“our farmers, artisans, and communities whose stories breathe life into the Philippine experience and define the soul of our tourism.”

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DOT Festival of Festivals Cordillera PEP
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