The Binirayan Festival boosted tourism and the economy of Antique.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office consultant Celestino Dalumpines said hotels, inns and resorts in the province were fully booked during the month-long celebration that culminated on Monday.

While he has yet to secure the statistics, he was told by accommodation establishments that they could hardly cater to their guests, while restaurants were full of diners.

The Pasundayag or trade fair, which showcased local products, generated a total sales of PHP2.5 million as of Dec. 29, Dalumpines said in an interview on Tuesday.

He added that tourists were not only spectators, but also participated in the Karsadyahan or merrymaking on Dec. 29.

“We were instructed by Governor Paolo Everardo Javier to already start the preparations for the Binirayan Festival 2026 as early as February to ensure a successful festival again,” he said.

He said that the reenactment of the arrival of the 10 Bornean datu (chieftains) and the establishment of the first barangay in Malandog, Hamtic, was highly admired, so they will be establishing a production team headed by local artist Sammy Rubido to train Antiqueños who will portray roles in the activity.

“Our reenactment this year was participated in by Antiqueños who took pride in showcasing our rich culture and tradition,” said Dalumpines.

He said they will have a stage play in the barangay and municipalities as a prelude to the Binirayan Festival in 2026, similar to this year.

Binirayan Festival is a celebration of the identity of the people as Malay descendants who took the courage to venture in search of freedom and peace, he said. (PNA)