Join the Abaca Festival in Catanduanes

ABACA FESTIVAL

catanduanes-abaca-festival Photo from: http://www.travelersuggest.com/abaca-festival-a-showcase-of-the-catandunganon-way-of-life/

The Abaca Festival or formally known as Catanduanes Abaka Festival is a festival held each year in Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines. The celebration happens every 4th week of the month of May. The festival is cognizance of the importance of abaca fiber or Manila hemp industry in the local economy and the need to showcase its versatility as a major source of livelihood and craft material which has brought Catanduanes fame and fortune. The festival will showcase the life and resilient spirit of the Catandunganon and its culture, as well as the uniqueness and exoticness of the island and its people.

Catanduanes Island is the native habitat of the endemic abaca plant (a banana relative) which is globally renowned for its strong fiber. In fact, the Philippines FIDA (Fiber Industry Development Authority) declared the island as the highest abaca producing province in 2010. In 2009-2013, The Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) and the Department of Agriculture, Bicol Region had 39% share of Philippine Abaca production, emerged as the biggest produce while overwhelming 92% comes from Catanduanes the biggest abaca producing province in the country. The island province is also home of the finest grade of abaca fiber. – Text from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abaca_Festival

catanduanes-abaca-festival3 Photo from: https://ecokaila.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/abaca-drying.jpg

The week-long fiesta that would pompously give recognition to the important role of abaca industry in Catanduanes’ socio-environment and economic development is enjoying full backing from various national government agencies, according to local officials.

Among these agencies are the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Dubbed as the 1st Catanduanes Abaca Festival, the celebration, which will be on May 23 to 29, will start with, among other grand events, the PhilFIDA unveiling its Abaca Showcase at the Capitol lobby — depicting via exhibits and video presentations production processes, from planting and plant care to different ways of harvesting. Read More: http://pnabicol.blogspot.com/2016/05/govt-agencies-back-1st-catanduanes.html

Photo from: http://bicol.politics.com.ph/2019/04/24/catanduanes-abaca-festival-focuses-on-farmers-families/

Floats showcasing abaca were paraded in the streets of Catanduanes to kick off the five-day Abaca Festival 2019.

The floats called were prepared by various local government units, members of the private sector, and national agency offices.

This year’s Abaca Festival centers on honoring the island’s abacaleros for sustaining the local and international abaca industry. Read More: http://www.bicolstandard.com/2019/05/float-parade-kicks-off-abaca-festival.html