The Philippine Star - 02 Mar 2018
Isabela had another successful staging of its annual Bambanti festival, which shines the spotlight on the province’s diversified agricultural production, artistry and craftsmanship.
Some 90 percent of Isabela’s three cities and 34 towns showcased their agricultural produce and distinctive products under the decades-old One Town, One Product (OTOP) program of the national government.
The annual festival revolves around the scarecrows, Bambanti in the local language, an ubiquitous feature in agricultural lands here and abroad. The OTOP theme was carried on to the giant renditions of the Bambanti. Aside from the traditional rice straw, booths by participating towns and cities in the agri-ecotourism fair featured scarecrows made from their respective indigenous products and materials.
The giant Bambantis were made of shells from the coastal towns and mongo and other beans, ears of corn and husks as well as rice from inland towns.
Residents and people from neighboring provinces shopped for distinctive products like the chocolate-scented Pinilisan red rice, the latik-filledmoriecos and othersuman, rice and fruit wines, white corn “coffee” and fresh vegetables, among others.
Visitors also had a chance to admire works by the local artists and craftsmen, like home and other home décor made of wood and artificial flowers from corn husks and cobs.
The week-long event featured various competitions, including best agri-ecotourism booth, best Bambanti, best in street dancing, best choral group and festival king and queen, among the participating towns and cities.
Cooks and drink mixers were challenged in the Makan ken Mainum competition organized by Mary Ann Arcega Dy, wife of the governor and a culinary arts graduate. This year’s cooking contest involved the use of goat meat.
Cauayan City, which hosts the province’s airport, earned the most points and top prize of P1.5 million from the provincial government to fund its development projects.
Governor Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, an outstanding governor award recipient; first district Rep. Rodito Albano and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan presented the award to Cauayan City Mayor Bernard Faustino Dy and all the other winners.
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A big part of the lives of people from the Northern Philippines is Agriculture – the bread and butter of most families, if you will. So much of their lives revolve around grains and produce that it’s only fitting for them to dedicate an annual festival for it.
“Bambanti” is the Ilocano term for scarecrow. The watchguards of their fields and farms. This year, 20 out of 34 municipalities joined in the festivities.
Here’s a recap of my first time at Bambanti Festival 2018:
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Isabela is the country’s second biggest province in terms of land area, which in turn has led them to become an agricultural giant. Sprawling fields of corn and other grains dominate the province.
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One of the north's biggest province is getting attention thanks to emerging tourism attraction
Alexa Villano
Published 11:30 AM, February 18, 2018
MANILA, Philippines – Time and again we Filipinos have been encouraged to see our own country. After all, there are still so many places to visit and cultures to be discovered in our own backyard.
JAPANESE TUNNEL. The Ilagan Japanese Tunnel is one of many tunnels in Isabela. All photos by Rob Reyes/Rappler
Last January, selected members of the media, travel bloggers and writers got the chance to go to Isabela for the Bambanti Festival 2018. In between our coverage of the festival, we were able to explore some places in Ilagan, where the festival was held.
Named after King Philip's wife, Queen Isabela, this northern province is known for supplying rice and corn to various parts of the country. Through the years, Isabela has gained exposure through the tourism efforts of the Bambanti festival, the Sierra Madres, the Rio Grande of Cagayan, and the beaches promoted by the local government, headed by its governor, Faustino "Bodjie" Dy III.
