TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, July 2 (PIA) -- A showdown of municipal festivals highlighted today’s observance of Tourism Day, here, as part of the activities lined-up for the 52nd Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebrations, from June 18-July 4, this year.

Mostly depicting rituals of planting and harvesting farm produce and aquamarine products and ending peace among warring groups, the showdown re-invented long-cherished cultures, which the people of the province have been treasuring.

These festivals included the following: Sagingan (Banana) of Tubod, Humayan (Rice) of Kapatagan, Niyugan (Coconut) of Magsaysay, Nangkaan (Jackfruit) of Maigo, Sarimanok (Chicken) of Kolambugan and Hugyaw sa Kadagatan (Aquamarine) of Kauswagan.

“I am glad that you have given meaning to our province as ‘The Land of Beauty and Bounty,’ as all your presentations simply gave such message,” Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo, Representative of the 1st Congressional District told the participants.

She also encouraged the residents of the province to invite their friends and relatives who are now living in other areas of the country and abroad to come and let them see for themselves the many progressive developments taking place, here, now.

Ma. Elena Manalo, asst. regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT), one of the judges of the contest said, “Lanao residents should be proud that such culture have been embraced by its people until now, which you seldom see in other areas.”

“These are the things our tourists, both domestic and foreign are looking for when they come to see our place and I’m glad you have included some culture that we have not in others,” she said.

Meanwhile, the contingents for the “Sagayan” festival that depicts the culture of the Maranaos in marriage and making peace among warring families included those from the towns of Nunungan, Balo-I and Magsaysay.

In addition, activities for the celebration included the setting up of booths for the sale of One Town, One Product (OTOP) for each municipality at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) grounds, here, said Minda V.Regis, provincial tourism officer.

Since the start of the activity on June 18, we have estimated about 5,000 spectators in a day, she said.

The activities will culminate on July 4 with a parade around the premises of MCC, participated in by the local officials from the provinces’ 22 municipalities, line agencies, and the different heads of the provincial offices lead Gov. Khalid Q. Dimaporo. (LVG/PIA-10)