BY: MERLITO G. EDALE JR.

 

ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, January 16 (PIA) - Local government officials and employees together with national government-based agencies in Isabela are busy preparing for this year's Bambanti (scarecrow) festival which is set on January 27-31, 2013.


In an executive meeting conducted on Tuesday led by vice governor Antonio Albano, they already laid out some proposed activities and at the same time created standing committees to ensure the successful festival celebration.

 

The executive committee had initially agreed to conduct thanksgiving mass, concerts, street dancing showdown to be participated by local government units of Isabela, singing idol competition, agri-tourism and trade fair, fun run and fun bike.

Likewise, the provincial government is planning to invite national artists to perform in the planned concert which is one of the activities to be conducted during the festival celebration.

This year's honorary chairperson is Governor Faustino G. Dy III while the executive committee chairperson is Vice Governor Antonio Albano, the over-all focal person and likewise in-charge in program and invitation is Sangguiniang Panlalawigan member Karen Abuan and the over-all production chairman is Nilo Agustin.

The different committees created are chaired by the following; Alfredo Allili for singing idol competition, SP member Ric-Justice Angobong both for agri-toursim fair and the stage and technical support, Kiryll Bello for fun run and fun bike, Vilinda Bernardo for accomodation, acting assistant provincial treasurer Cherry Bagay for food and snacks, provincial general services officer Rodrigo Sawit for transportation, provincial treasurer Maria Teresa Flores for awards, SP member Faustino Dy IV for sponsorship, SP member Abegail Sable co-chaired by provincial cooperative officier Lilia Castillo for street dancing showdown, Liga ng mga Barangay provincial federation president Francis Faustino Dy for information and promotion, provincial budget officer Elsa Pastrana for usherettes and the 2014 Bambanti festival secretariat will be the office of the provincial tourism office.


Originally, Bambanti festival is celebrated simultaneously with the province's foundation anniversary every month of May, but in previous years, the celebration was moved to January for a more fun-filled and meaningful celebration. (ALM/MGE - PIA2/Isabela)