CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – The Candon City government on Wednesday, March 18, showcased a giant ‘’calamay’’ at the Candon South Central School Oval during the month-long 2026 Tobacco Festival.
Mayor Eric D. Singson said this year’s grand unveiling of the city’s largest and most famous calamay display is part of the celebration of Candon’s 25th cityhood anniversary and the 128th anniversary of the historic Cry of Candon.
Residents and visitors tasted the delicacy in various flavors such as ube, pandan, and peanut, aside from the classic white and brown.
The city government replicated the giant calamay first showcased during the 2025 Tobacco Festival.
This year’s giant calamay measures 10 meters in diameter and weighs 1,639 kilograms. The massive delicacy was prepared by around 50 women using approximately 2,000 coconuts, 900 kilograms of white and brown sugar, 150 gantas of rice flour, and more than 20 kilograms of peanuts.
Calamay, a sweet and sticky delicacy made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, represents the city’s One Town, One Product (OTOP).
Traditionally stored and served in burnay (earthen jars), the delicacy also symbolizes Candon’s rich cultural heritage.
Singson said the activity continues to highlight Candon’s identity not only as the country’s top producer of Virginia tobacco but also as a place known for crafting one of the largest and heaviest calamay in the Philippines.