By Nimfa Estrellado Quezon provincial government led by Quezon Governor Helen Tan during the opening of the Niyogyugan Festival on August 9,...
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| Quezon provincial government led by Quezon Governor Helen Tan during the opening of the Niyogyugan Festival on August 9, 2023 at the Quezon Convention Center. (Photo from Lito Giron, PIA Quezon) |
LUCENA CITY - The annual Niyogyugan Festival, one of the biggest festivals in the province and is dubbed "Mother of All Festivals, Sa Quezon" that aims to celebrate and honor the hard work and contributions of farmers, kicked off today for a week-long celebration.
The promise of the Quezon provincial government led by Quezon Governor Angelina Tan is to make the Niyogyugan Festival a more meaningful celebration this year because the combined promotion of tourism and helping the coconut farmers will be featured in the celebration.
It said to showcase various agricultural products, cultural performances, and competitions that highlight the rich farming heritage of the region. It also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by farmers and promote sustainable farming practices for a better future.
According to the Governor, the local government of Quezon saved money by organizing a simple celebration this year, allowing them to allocate more funds towards supporting coconut farmers and their livelihood, focusing on the well-being of coconut farmers and their contributions to the local economy.
She believes that by prioritizing farmers well-being and promoting sustainable farming practices, we can ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for our agricultural community.
She also said the talent of the people and the local products of Quezon are not to be overlooked either. The region is known for its skilled artisans and high-quality products, such as handmade crafts and delicious coconut-based delicacies.
The highlight of the celebration is the municipal booths, where each municipality showcases its unique products, traditions, and attractions. Visitors can explore the diverse offerings of each booth, from traditional handicrafts to mouthwatering local delicacies.
The selection of Mr. and Mrs. Niyogyugan will also be presented during the celebration, adding excitement and glamour to the event. This prestigious title recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of Niyogyugan, showcasing their beauty, intelligence, and dedication to promoting the rich heritage of Quezon.
The pageant serves as a platform for these ambassadors to further promote the cultural traditions and economic potential of the province, inspiring others to appreciate and support its local industries.
A Coco Summit will be held and be attended by coconut farmers from different parts of the province, government officials, and representatives from various industries. It will feature exhibits, workshops, and discussions on coconut farming techniques, product innovations, and market opportunities.
The event aims to empower coconut farmers by providing them with knowledge and resources to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the sustainable development of the coconut industry in Quezon.
There will also be a float parade, a street dancing competition, and cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of coconut farming communities in Quezon. These activities aim to promote tourism and highlight the importance of coconut farming in the province's economy.
The governor hopes that although the celebration will be simple, it will still be enjoyed by many tourists on August 9, 2023 to August 19, 2023, as it will provide an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and history of coconut farming in Quezon.
Some of the activities in the Niyogyugan Festival are Cocolympics, Health in Niyogyugan, and other competitions such as Coco Zumba Dance, Declamation and Oratorical, Float and Streetdancing, Dance Showdown, and others.
Additionally, the celebration will serve as a platform to educate both locals and tourists about sustainable practices in the coconut industry, fostering a greater appreciation for the province's natural resources.
In the Kapihan program at PIA Quezon recently, Quezon Provincial Tourism Officer Nesler Almagro said aside from promoting agri-tourism in the province, the most central part of the celebration was also the formation of the Niyogyugan Foundation to help rice farmers develop their livelihoods and families.
Almagro added that all proceeds from the activities of the festival will go to the newly launched foundation, which will be used for scholarships for the children of coconut farmers and the development of other programs to boost the coconut sector in the province.
"Governor Helen Tan always promises that Niyugniyogan should advocate for coconut farmers. And with this foundation, all proceeds or earnings during the festival will automatically be donated to the Niyugniyogan Foundation," said Almagro.
"This foundation will facilitate all the programs for coconut farmers, like scholarships for coconut farmers and additional capacitation programs to modernize and professionalize coconut farming in Quezon Province," it added.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Quezon encourages the participation of local businesses and organizations in supporting the Niyugniyogan Festival. They believe that by working together, they can create more opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for coconut farmers in the province.
The festival aims to promote tourism and attract visitors from all over the country, boosting the local economy. Additionally, it serves as a platform for coconut farmers to showcase their skills and knowledge, fostering a sense of pride and unity among the community.
The Niyogyugan Festival is celebrated in Quezon every August because it showcases the rich cultural heritage and abundance of coconut products in the province.
This annual festival has gained recognition in the neighboring provinces, so it is now one of the main festivals in the country and is considered by the Department of Tourism as a must-see event.
Niyugyogan is a combination of "niyog" because coconut farming is the main livelihood of a large percentage of Quezon people, and "yugyugan" which means dancing.
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