LAOAG CITY – City officialdom will harp on Laoag’s achievements when it marks its 15th Pamulinawen festival on February 1.
Laoag Mayor Michael Fariñas will lead residents in the annual celebration of culture and traditions and in depicting the city’s global character.
“With the ongoing preparations, the city expects a powerhouse of noteworthy events,” the mayor said in his letter to heads of various government agencies.
The festival promises a display of colourful floats depicting the theme: “Laoag City: Milestones, Ventures, Fulfilment,” during the grand parade on February 9, a pre-celebration event before the feast of St. William the Hermit, Laoag’s patron saint, on February 10.
The festival’s name, Pamulinawen, was derived from a supposed stone-hearted lady who is being wooed by an ardent suitor.
The month-long festival will kick off with a civic-military parade on February 1. City officials expect droves of parade participants who will vie for various awards namely: delegations who come in as most colourful, most disciplined, biggest contingent and best military and para-military contingent. Winners will receive a cash prize of P5,000 for each category.
Bigger prizes await participants in the February 9 grand parade ranging from P20,000 to P50,000 in the big float category and P10,000 to P30,000 in the small float category.
The city government will likewise recognize individuals who have brought pride to Laoag through the Search for Outstanding Laoagueños. The award will be given to individuals who have excelled in their chosen careers such as agriculture, religion, medical, personality development service, arts, business, military, education, journalism, sports, public service/government, legal and social services. (Cristina Arzadon – PIA Ilocos Norte)
