Quirino celebrates Panagdadapun Festival
GETTING TO Quirino requires a long journey — either by plane from Manila to neighboring airports plus a one to three-hour drive, or an eight-hour land trip — but the province promises attractions that would make it worthwhile.
It’s eco-tourism attractions include the Aglipay Caves and Provincial Forest Park, Siitan Nature Park in Nagtipunan, Governor Rapids at the Cagayan River in Maddela, and numerous waterfalls inside forests.
Quirino is home to various indigenous people (IP) groups and an immersion experience at their communities could be arranged through the municipal governments, particularly with the Bugkalot or Ilongot tribe, which was once known for their head-hunting tradition.
The other IPs are the Dumagat, Ifugao, Isinay, and Gaddang, while the lowland settlers are dominated by the Ilocanos. The cultural heritage of these groups are featured at the Quirino Provincial Museum in the capital Cabarroguis.
There is also a newly-opened watersports complex, which will be the site of the first Quirino Invitational Wakeboarding Competition, one of the main events for this year’s celebration of the Panagdadapun Festival from Sept. 6-10.
Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua said this year’s celebration, the 21st for the festival and marking the 48th founding anniversary of the province, “is special” because of recognitions on its good governance.
Quirino has been awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance from 2015-2018 financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, and peace and order.
The Cabarroguis Homestay Association also received last year an ASEAN Homestay Award for its program supporting the local tourism industry.
Mr. Cua said these “accolades are in line with the Quirino’s vision of being the prime agro-industrial and eco-tourism destination in Cagayan Valley.”
The Panagdadapun, which means “gathering” in the Ilocano language, will be capped on Sept. 10 with a street dance parade showcasing the festivals of the different municipalities. — Marifi S. Jara
