Isabela town in Negros Occidental will celebrate its Panubli-on Festival from Thursday to Saturday, Sept. 8-10.
The festival will highlight the town’s rich cultural heritage, giving emphasis to its Indigenous Peoples and its relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals, a press release from the town said.
Mayor Irene Montilla said she is excited to bring back face-to-face festivities and gatherings after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s celebration will embark on a new brand and identity, the press release said.
It will be an avenue to showcase Isabela’s best, while prioritizing and giving opportunities to residents to showcase their talents, products and services, Montilla said.
Panubli-on Festival was launched during the term of her husband, the late Mayor Enrique Montilla, to encourage townsfolk to get together and join the celebration to honor the town’s parish saint.
This year’s festival will remind people that the rich cultural heritage of their town plays a significant role in what Isabela has become today, Francis Ryan Pabiania, the festival director and member of their local culture and arts council, said.
Isabela is home to the Marikudo Ati Settlement, and is blessed with various destinations, historical sites and cultural wonders, he said.
Among of the activities are a “Gabi sang Palanubli-on” (cultural night), Laro ng Lahi, Indigenous People community and farmers day, local food cooking, cultural heritage fantasy makeup contest, photography tilt, karabaw-karo contests, and the Pasundayag kag Pasigarbo festival street dancing and arena competition on Sept. 10.*