Local government workers and local residents take part in the “Parada Abaca” during the opening of the 7th Abaca Festival in Virac, Catanduanes on Monday, May 22. (Photo by Mark Alvic Esplana)
VIRAC, Catanduanes – The provincial government has formally opened the 7th Abaca Festival with the theme “Talubo Abaca, Sulong Islang Maogma” (Flourish Abaca, Thrive Happy Island) on Monday, May 22.
Gov. Joseph “Boboy” Cua, along with other provincial officials, kicked off the celebration with a Thanksgiving Mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
It was immediately followed by a parade that drew participants from 11 municipalities from Imelda Boulevard to the Capitol grounds.
The festival also featured an agri trade fair for souvenirs and an abaca lakbay and travel expo to raise awareness about the abaca industry.
“This is to honor our abaca farmers and stakeholders. For generations, the abaca has been a stronghold of Catanduanes,” Cua said.
He said that with the declaration of Catanduanes as the abaca capital of the Philippines on April 25, 2022, the provincial government would give its full support to agencies supporting the abaca industry.
Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia, provincial tourism officer, said the staging of the festival would “contribute a lot to the local economy as several activities like abaca stripping demonstrations, street dancing, and a float parade competition will draw tourists.”
“We are now back on track, and we are expecting tourists to come every now and then to explore the happy island of Catanduanes,” Garcia said.