The 35th Ibalong Festival is putting Bicol’s rich cultural heritage in the spotlight while giving Legazpi City’s tourism industry and local businesses a boost.
The annual celebration brings the city’s history and traditions to life through a series of cultural and community activities, drawing residents and visitors to experience what makes Legazpi and the Bicol region distinct.
Bringing Bicol’s Heritage to Life
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said festivals such as Ibalong play an important role in preserving local identity by allowing communities to share their history and traditions with a wider audience.
“I’m happy with your festival because you are bringing history to life,” Angara said.
He noted that tourists increasingly seek experiences that are unique to the destinations they visit, making cultural celebrations an important part of tourism.
“What they will look for is what is unique here in one place. And that includes the Ibalong Festival,” he added.
The festival draws inspiration from the epic tale of Bicol’s legendary heroes Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong, whose stories have become an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Culture Creates Tourism Opportunities
Beyond its cultural value, the festival also generates activity for businesses and workers who depend on tourism.
Department of Tourism (DOT)-Bicol Regional Director Herbie Aguas said the decision to continue the celebration provides opportunities for various sectors despite the difficulties currently affecting the tourism industry.
Aguas pointed to rising fuel prices and the cancellation of some festivals as challenges facing tourism-related businesses and workers.
When festivals push through, he said, the benefits extend to restaurants, costume makers, tricycle and bus drivers, and other workers serving residents and visitors.
Legazpi Showcases Local Creativity
Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail said the festival provides a platform for local artists, entrepreneurs, tourism workers, and businesses while allowing the city to showcase its food, creativity, hospitality, history, and culture.
Residents and tourists can experience these through the festival’s street parade, performances, exhibits, competitions, and concerts.
For Legazpi, the Ibalong Festival serves as both a celebration of Bicolano heritage and a driver of local tourism, creating opportunities for communities while giving visitors a deeper connection to the city’s identity and traditions.
