Thousands of spectators witnessed pride, unity and greatness through the 13th Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival, the mother of all cultural festivals in Ilocos Norte province, at Ferdinand Marcos Stadium here on Saturday night.
A total of 22 contingents showcased their culture and talents, with Laoag City’s Pamulinawen Festival performance reclaiming the championship after 12 years.
Participated in by 180 young performers from different schools, the city’s winning performance honored Laoag’s heritage through the eyes of the kutsero, the horse-drawn carriage driver whose craft has long defined the city’s identity.
The Pamulinawen Festival won three consecutive titles in 2012 to 2014.
Last year’s winner, the municipality of Piddig’s Basi Festival, placed second, followed by Banna’s Abuos Festival, Pinili’s Abel and Bawang Festival, Burgos’ Saniata Festival, Batac’s Empanada Festival, Nueva Era’s Tadek Festival and Currimao’s Dinaklisan Festival.
Beyond the cash prizes awarded by the provincial government, the festival served as a platform for economic and artistic empowerment, generating job opportunities for local dancers, musicians, choreographers and costume designers, while boosting tourism and small businesses.
Organizers said close to 6,000 artists and artisans shared their talents and skills, showcasing the thriving creative industry in the province that supports local livelihood.
Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos underscored the importance of safeguarding the culture, the people, and the community that define the province.
“This year, Tan-ok carried a beautiful new direction. We are bringing the stories of every town closer together, just as we bring government services closer to every Ilokano family. From amianan (north) to abagatan (south), from the mountains to our coastal communities, each town carries a story shaped by faith, celebration, hard work, and love for home,” she said. (PNA)
