May 20 to 26
Layag Festival
A festival in the town of Rapu-Rapu in Albay province coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
The local word “layag,” which means sailboat, is an old mode of transportation in Rapu-Rapu.
It symbolizes the people’s journey of faith. Activities include a cultural street presentation, social dance, beauty pageant and various church activities.
May 22 to 24
Ammungan Festival
Residents of Nueva Vizcaya province celebrate its diversity as the province is home to 18 indigenous groups.
“Ammungan” is a word of the Gaddang indigenous group, which means gathering. The festivities highlight the accomplishments of the province in governance, tourism and indigenous peoples’ rights.
Activities include poetry reading, health services, job fair and arts and music festival.
May 24 to 26
Sarangani Bay Festival
The beauty of Sarangani Bay takes center stage in Glan, Sarangani province.
Dubbed the “biggest beach festival of the South,” the event aims to raise awareness on the protection and preservation of Sarangani Bay, which is declared a protected seascape in 1996 by then President Fidel Ramos.
Festivities include fire dancing competition, zumba, sports activities and programs called “I Love Clean SarBay.”
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, nhcp.gov.ph, ncca.gov.ph, pia.gov.ph, thecorpusjuris.com, officialgazette.gov.ph