By Miriam G. Desacada
Catarman N.Samar—-Governor Edwin Ongchuan, in a pioneering move, spearheaded the launching of the Ibabao Festival to celebrate the 58th Founding Anniversary of Northern Samar as a province.
Ibabao Festival, scheduled to be officially launched on June 4, will run until June 19 the enactment date of Republic Act 4221 in 1965 when Samar Island was divided into three provinces: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and (western) Samar.
But why the term Ibabao? In the olden days, Northern Samar was known as Ibábao, and only named to its present term by operation of law.
Although there is not much yet on record the historical identity and culture of the province, the governor deemed that the holding of the pioneering Ibabao Festival is a suitable way to start recollecting the province’s heritage values for the coming generations to be proud of.
To make the Ibabao Festival relevant and a fitting celebration for the founding anniversary of the province, the provincial government laid out a number of events designed to portray the history and culture of the province, as well as its beautiful spots worthy for tourism purposes.
Ongchuan said the provincial government, with the support of the Provincial Board presided by Vice Governor Clarence Dato, is appropriating about P10 million for the holding of the Ibabao Festival, which he said will become an annual event, as a continuing promotion of the province.
The governor said: “Through the Ibábao Festival, we hope to foster cultural awareness, engender deeper appreciation of the history, cultural heritage and development of Northern Samar, and instill pride, integrity, understanding and unity among the present and future generations of Norte Samarnons.”
Ongchuan said: “The provincial government intends to make the (provincial anniversary) more meaningful by involving the 24 component municipalities …, and other sectors … such as agriculture, fishery, youth, senior citizens, business, tourism and other industries, among others.”
During the festival launching day, municipal LGUs will present their respective floats in a grand parade around major streets of Catarman, the capital town.
Indigenous and agricultural products, as well as home-made crafts will be displayed and sold at the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair around the Capitol grounds from June 4 to 19, throughout the duration of the festival.
One of the highlights of the Ibabao Festival is another first, the Festival of Festivals, on June 18 at the UEP grandstand where all the towns of the province will present their respective festivals through dances and costumes portraying their distinct culture and traditions.
Another highlight is the Miss Northern Samar or Mutya san Ibábao beauty pageant, which will have its Talent Night on June 13 at San Roque and the Coronation Night on June 17 at the UEP Ampitheater in Catarman.
Other slated events, through the festival, are: Northern Samar Business Conference; Cultural Night; Ben and Ben sa Ibabao Concert; Night Market; Mass Blood Letting; Founding Anniversary Commemorative Program and Kauswagan Awards, among others.
Initial information showed that among the recipients of the Kauswagan Awards are the top performing local assessors and personnel of the Municipal Planning and Development Council.
John Allen Berbon, PIO of N. Samar LGU said they are not expecting many foreigners to come, considering that this festival is in its pioneering stage yet, but he said the high number of local tourists is anticipated, while promotional efforts to make the festival popular to the public are being carried out.
Northern Samar however has a good number of hotels and restaurants to absorb the influx of visitors, he said, adding that among the unique tourists’ attractions in the province are the Pink Beach, Biri Rock formation, white beaches, and waterfalls.
Berbon further boasted the Nortehanons’ pinangat, a version of the famous chili-hot Bicolano dish known as pinangat, which is a blend of ground pork, coconut milk, shrimps and chili wrapped in gabi (taro) leaves.
Northern Samar is also known for its pili nuts, which by the way is abundant in neighboring Bicol Region, but also made the province famous for such tropical plant, he said.
Berbon said the theme of the Ibabao Festival’s celebration for the province’s 58th year is Proudly Ibábaonon: Promoting Tourism, Preserving History, Sustaining Progress.
He said this aptly fit the description of Ongchuan’s leadership in steering Northern Samar into an era of continued economic growth. —Miriam G. Desacada