PROVINCIAL NEWS FEATURES

:: Linggo ng Bulacan, More than a Festivity

All roads lead to Bulacan for the annual celebration of Linggo ng Bulacan, the colorful and special event that offers a unique window to Bulakeños rich cultural landscape and an opportunity to savor the many calebratory flavors of its cultural diversity.

From September 8-15, the province will celebrate the Linggo ng Bulacan festivity to highlight its flourishing cultural and historical heritage. This year’s celebration is banked on the theme: “ Pagsulong sa Galing at Produktong Bulakenyo, Kaagapay sa Pag-aangat ng Kabuhayang Pilipino.”

Gov. Josefina dela Cruz at the helm of the festivities said the 13 year old tradition, begun as part and parcel of the cultural awakening program of the Provincial Government. She added that the primary purpose of which is for their people to develop a sense of identity and a clear understanding of their culture and history.

Governor dela Cruz also mentioned that this year’s most anticipated event will showcase how the Bulakeños ingenuity and products can jumpstart a stronger economy for the country.

“The activities we have prepared for this year are not only anchored of arts and culture, we have organized activities that will have economic implications. We have allotted a day for different sectors who are stakeholders on the economic development, to participate.” dela Cruz explained.

A simultaneous opening program and parades in all of the province’s 22 town and two cities will kick off the weeklong festivity.

Highlighting the celebration is the Tatak BulakenyoProducts launching of the packaging of the 30 distinct Bulacan products including Atsarang Dampalit, Atsarang Ampalaya, Atsarang Papaya, Sweet Macapuno, Sweet Langka, Sweet Garbanzos, Vinegar Nectar, Chicharon,, Tomato Jam, Bagoong Alamang, Tinapang Tilapia, Catfish Fillet, Lengua de Gato, Polvoron, de Pinipig, Chocolate Drink, Native Kakanin,- Pinipid de Leche, Cassava Cake, Sukang Bulacan, Fruit Juice Drink, Tinapang Tilapia, Tahong Chips, Honey Bee Products, Bottled Sardines, Pandesal de Baliuag, Pastillas, Minasa, Kapeng Tagalog, Ensaymada, Inipit and Longganisa.

The province also prepared exciting activities for the special day of the drivers, technical workers, farmers, and fisher folks and Bulakeño men. For the youth, the province prepared a Job Fair, Lakbay-Aral, Bisita Kapitolyo, Alay Lakad, Lakan and Lakambini pageant, Paligsahan ng Sinaunang Laro and Sigaw-saya cheering competition.

Activities showcasing the artistic prowess of the Bulakeños include Indakan sa Kalye Street Dancing Competition, Sayaw Pilipino; Pista ng Bulakenyong Mananayaw, “ Bato sa Buhangin”, a play on the life of the Bulakeño National Artist Ernani Cuenco, Lakan Sining Exhibit, Bulacan Ancestral Houses, Kainan Festival, Bonsai Workshop and exhibit.

Also slated are the activities that underscore the province’s entrepreneurial facet including Alternatibong Kabuhayan: A Franchising Fair, Tatak Bulakenyo Trade Fair, Instant Hanap Buhay sa Bulakenyo and May Kita sa Bulaklak: A Flower Arrangement Workshop, Bulacan Travel Mart.

Dela Cruz said this celebration is also a perfect opportunity to bestow honor to those individual or groups who continuously augment the province’s sense of pride at present. These include Awards such as Gawad Dangal ng Lipi for outstanding Bulacan sons and daughters and Gawad Galing Barangay which honors outstanding and innovative programs of the barangays. The celebration will culminate with the 106th commemoration of the Malolos Congress in the historical church of Barasoain, the seat of the first Republic in Asia.