BY VINCE JACOB VISAYA
CABARROGUIS, Quirino (September 12, 2023)—The performances of the cultural groups from each of the six towns of the province in the street dancing event served as a fitting opening for the Panagdadapun Festival at the capitol grandstand here on Sunday.
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chairman Junie Cua, who served as the guest speaker at the opening ceremony, said that the “diverse but unified culture” among the people of Quirino has been instrumental in the continuing development and advancement of the province.
“As long as I live, I will continue to serve and help guide our province to maintain peace and political stability,” said Cua, who is also a former representative of the lone district of Quirino.
“I salute every one of you for the great partnership. This celebration presents the best and the greatest testimonies of what we had done for the Quirinians.”
The street dance event showcased the diverse but rich and unique culture and traditions of the six towns of the province.
The street dancers performed in their own festivals like the Penenkakasisit of Nagtipunan town, Pagay-Pagay of Saguday, Panagsasalog of Maddela, Ginnamuluan of Cabarroguis, Pammadayaw of Diffun, and Panagsalukag of Aglipay.
The weeklong festival also features a fun run, historical dance performances, exhibits, agri-trade fairs, jobs fair, coffee table book launching, street dancing, family games, concert, dance and singing contests, beauty pageant, medical and dental services, sports festival, tree planting, and bike race, among others.
Exhibits were also opened to guests and visitors who can take glimpses of the repository of Quirino’s unique cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes such as the Dumagats, Ifugaos, Isinays, Bugkalots, and Gaddangs, as well as lowland villagers.
Quirino was born on September 10, 1971, from the mother province of Nueva Vizcaya.
Quirino province is known for its natural attractions such as the Governor Rapids at the Cagayan River in Maddela, Aglipay Caves and Provincial Forest Park, the Siitan Nature Park and Landingan in Nagtipunan, and various waterfalls and caves, among others.