ILAGAN CITY, Isabela – Isabela’s Bambanti Festival 2024 kicked off with the introduction of the Bambanti Village, a focal location for agri-ecotourism offers featuring the mesmerizing Giant Scarecrow, on January 22 at the Capitol grounds here.
Vice Governor Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, Director General for the event, said January is a very special month for us to celebrate this year’s Bambanti Festival.
“This year’s celebration is our way of giving gratitude for all the blessings and welcoming the challenges ahead,” he said.
“Had it not been for the support of our Governor Rodito Albano and local officials, mayors, Provincial Board and department heads, led by Provincial Administrator Noel Lopez, Dy said the annual festivity will not be a success.
With the theme “Ettam ngana ta Isabela” (Tara na sa Isabela), the Ybanag phrase invites visitors to explore, experience, and embrace the Queen Province of the North’s charm.
The Bambanti Village Agri-Ecotourism Exhibit and Sale showcases unique enormous Bambanti figures from 32 towns and two cities, expertly built from natural, organic, and biodegradable materials. These artistically made scarecrows dotted the village, serving as sentinels and attracting a large crowd to the province’s biggest event.
Within the village, a diverse array of locally crafted items captures the authentic spirit of Isabela. Distinctive kiosks selling farm products and locally created artifacts provide excellent prices for foodies and treasure seekers.
The village emphasizes not just the local people’s creative abilities but also providing a platform for tourists to immerse themselves in Isabela’s eco-tourism and cultural legacy.
As visitors explore the exhibits, they are treated to an authentic experience, gaining insights into the sustainable and organic practices that define the essence of Isabela.
The provincial administration has planned a spectacular array of activities from January 22 to 27.
The festival highlights include the Search for Queen Isabela 2024, the Agri-Ecotourism Exhibit and Sale, the Giant Bambanti Showcase, the Street Dance and Dance Showdown Competitions, the Festival King and Queen, Makan ken Mainum, the Music Festival, the Fun Run, the Bubble and Rave Party, the Grand Concert, and the Grand Fireworks Display.
The Bambanti Village exemplifies the province’s commitment to preserve its cultural identity while embracing innovation in agri-ecotourism, Dy said.