Staying true to its title as the “Mother of All Fiestas in Bulacan,” Singkaban Festival 2023 won the Most Outstanding Festival (Province) award during the Tourism Recognition for Enterprises and Stakeholders (TRES) Awards by the Department of Tourism Region III that was held in Hilltop, Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark, Pampanga, recently.
The annual anticipated Singkaban Festival, also known as “SinING at KAlinangan ng BulacAN,” was derived from the word “sining,” which means an arch or bamboo archway that symbolizes the Filipino spirit of unity and creativity. “Singkaban” also pertains to the intricate bamboo arch used as a traditional Filipino decoration.
Singkaban Festival bagged the award after passing the criteria, including Creativity and Innovation (30 pts), Cultural Significance (25 pts), Community Involvement (20 pts), Promotion and Marketing (15 pts), and Sustainability (10 pts).
Also, Bulacan was named second runner-up for the Most Creative Tourism Marketing Collateral for Print Material for its Discover Fun in Bulacan Brochure, wherein it garnered high scores in Creativity and Innovation (30 pts), Information Content and Clarity (25 pts), Relevance to Tourism Promotion (20 pts), and Design and Layout (25 pts).
The said brochure, entitled Discover Fun in Bulacan with a note in front that says ‘Love The Philippines’ ‘#BulacanBabalikBalikan,’ ensures a complete description of what Bulacan has to offer, including local wonders, most notable historical sites, festivals, natural wonders, churches and shrines, directions as well as the contact details of the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO) and the QR code to see the list of accommodations, resorts, restaurants, agri-tourism farms, spa and wellness centers, travel agencies, event suppliers, accredited tour guides, and City/Municipal Tourism Officers.
Gov. Daniel R. Fernando expressed his appreciation and congratulated the people behind the additional recognition for Bulacan.
The DOT’s TRES Awards also recognize the pivotal role of the LGUs in shaping the region’s tourism landscape.