The first Miss Tobacco titleholder, Erika Klein Liguden (Photo by JEAN MANGALUZ / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Candon City in Ilocos Sur, dubbed as the Virginia Tobacco Capital of the Philippines, held its first annual Tobacco Festival ever since suspending the fiesta due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festival was held from March 18 to 28, with a variety of activities ranging from trade exhibits, sports events, and even the Miss Tobacco Philippines Pageant.
For the pageant, a total of 15 participants from different tobacco-producing provinces joined, with Miss La Union Erika Klein Liguden clinching the top prize.
There was also a competition for the longest-cured Virginia tobacco leaf among locals.
Among the activities was a competition for the competition for the longest-cured Virginia tobacco leaf. (Photo from the Candon City Public Information Office)
Other activities included a Banca Fluvial Competition, which saw unique designs of different boats from the citizens.
An entry to the Banca Fluvial Competition (Candon City Public Information Office)
Another entry to the Banca Fluvial Competition (Candon City Public Information Office)
Candon City is home to around 1,500 tobacco farmers, according to Mayor Eric Singson.
“It is really agriculture,” said Singson. He added that the crop was the main livelihood for many farmers in the region.
Farm workers prepare tobacco leaves for drying and curing. (Photo by JEAN MANGALUZ / INQUIRER.net)