On June 4, 2023, Northern Samar celebrated its 58th founding anniversary with the inauguration of the province’s Ibábao Festival led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan.
The festival’s name “Ibábao” came from the past name of Northern Samar.
The aim of the festival is to highlight Northern Samar’s history, rich culture and heritage, as well as its scenic tourist destinations.
The two-week Ibábao Festival commenced with a vibrant float parade, featuring participation from nineteen municipalities with the theme “Proudly Ibàbaonon: Promoting tourism, preserving history, sustaining progress.”
The provincial government has set its sights on transforming the perception of the province in order to attract increased investment and foreign tourists.
This year’s festival also serves as a dry-run for a larger celebration on the province’s 60th founding anniversary.
Moreover, the local government encouraged the private sector to establish an association that would empower the tourism industry.
Source: Inside Politico | #InsidePolitico | June 06, 2023