Ilagan, Isabela—Gov. Rodito Albano III and Vice Governor Faustino Dy III recently led the opening of the Bambanti Village Agri-Ecotourism Trade Exhibit and Sale at the Isabela Provincial Capitol Compound, Alibagu district in this city.
Considered the “Mother of All Festivals” here, the much-awaited Bambanti Festival happening on Jan. 27 to 31 depicts the province’ community life, pride of place, history, and heritage, as well as its various indigenous world-class products, lifestyle merchandise items, cuisine and images of Isabeleños’ ardent love for their land of birth.
“Bambanti” is an Iloko word for scarecrow, which the province considers as its protection against birds in the rice fields. The scarecrow is created with colorful straws and grasses wrapped in farmer’s clothing, and is the icon and mascot of the festival.
With its theme, “Pagpatuloy ang Tagumpay ng Pusong Isabela” (Keep Up the Victory of Isabela Spirit), the province will celebrate its economic, social, political, and cultural victories it has so far achieved, Dy said.
The Bambanti Village showcases the different crafted Giant Bambanti and Agro-Eco Tourism Booths from the different cities and municipalities of the province on offer from the best of Isabelinos.
The provincial government also conducted a free medical, dental and surgical mission at the Gov. Faustino N. Dy Memorial Hospital.
The activities started with the Thanksgiving mass at St. Michael Cathedral in Gamu town.
The grand coronation night for the Search for Queen Isabela 2020 will highlight the Bambanti activities on the evening of Jan. 28 followed by a fireworks display.
Menwhile, the “Makan ken Mainom” contest will be conducted on Jan. 29.
The Makan will highlight the production of noodles using rice, corn and cassava as raw materials as participants turn them into Isabela pasta, while the ‘Mainom’ will highlight indigenous wine and juice products present in the localities.
“Makan” is an Iloko term for food, while “mainom” is the term for drinks.
The final judging of Bambanti Booths and Giant Bambanti will be conducted on Jan. 30.
The Search for Festival King and Queen and Festival Dance Showdown will be staged in the evening on the same day.
A grand concert on the last day of the celebration will also be conducted where national artists and singers will perform.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette R. Puyat and Agriculture Secretary William Dar will grace the occasion, Dy disclosed.
The festivity is a tourism, trade, investment and environment project focusing on the development, marketing and promotion of the province of Isabela.
Last year, the Bambanti Festival last year was awarded by the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest gathering of people dressed and dancing as scarecrows.
The Bambanti Festival has been named Hall of Famer for Best Festival Practices and Performance in the 2018 Aliw Award after winning for three consecutive years, from 2015 to 2017.