The town of Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija, Philippines recently celebrated the 10th Gulayan Festival, which had been postponed due to the pandemic .an event that showcases the locality’s agricultural products and cultural traditions. The festival took place from January 16 to 29 and was held in honor of the town’s patron saint, Paul de Apostle.
The festival kicked off with a parade around the town, featuring colorful floats adorned with fresh vegetables. The floats showcased the town’s main produce and were a
sight to behold. The festival organizers also included several activities that highlighted the town’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage.
The festival is a celebration of gratitude for patron Saint Paul de Apostle and is held from January 16 to 29. It features various activities that highlight the town’s cultural heritage, such as traditional dances, music performances, and culinary delights. Moreover, it is an opportunity for the locals to showcase their agricultural produce, which is a significant source of livelihood in the town.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Float Parade, held on January 27, which showcases the town’s agricultural products. The floats were adorned with fresh vegetables, making them not only colorful but also a testament to the town’s agricultural abundance. Barangay Bagtong emerged as the winner of the Float Parade Competition, taking home a cash prize of P100,000. It was the fifth time that the Barangay won the competition, and Mayor Jobby Emata expressed his pride and admiration for the Barangay’s creativity and hard work.
Aside from the competition, the festival also provided an opportunity for other participants to showcase their creativity and talent. Those who did not make it to the top spots still received P10,000 as incentives, demonstrating the municipal government’s commitment to supporting its constituents.
The Gulayan Festival is not only a celebration of the town’s cultural heritage and agricultural abundance but also a testament to the locals’ resilience amid the challenges brought by the pandemic. Despite the restrictions and challenges, the municipal government and the locals worked together to make the festival a success. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the spirit of thanksgiving and celebration can still shine through.
