VIRAC, CATANDUANES — The 9th Abaca Festival officially unfurled its vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage on May 26, 2025, through a grand celebration that paid heartfelt tribute to Catanduanes’ identity as the “Happy Island” and to its most treasured resource — abaca.
Kicking off the festivities was the Thanksgiving Mass held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Provincial and municipal officials, government workers, and stakeholders gathered to offer prayers of gratitude and invoke blessings for a peaceful and meaningful week-long celebration. The solemn Mass set the spiritual tone of unity, hope, and pride that would permeate the events to follow.
Moments later, Parada Abaca energized the streets of Virac with vibrant floats, rhythmic drumbeats, and colorful contingents. Starting from Imelda Boulevard and culminating at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, the parade featured the participation of local and national government offices, NGOs, and civil society groups — all expressing their support for the abaca industry and its unsung heroes, the abacaleros. The Drum and Lyre Corps of several schools, including Virac Central Elementary School, CatSU Laboratory Schools, and Immaculate Conception Seminary Academy, added musical flair to the lively procession. The highlight was the float of the Provincial Government, which beautifully represented the 11 municipalities of Catanduanes.
During the Grand Opening Ceremony held at the Capitol Grounds, key officials extended their messages of support and solidarity through their representatives, including:
- SP Secretary Atty. Gilbert T. Suarez for PBM Jose Romeo R. Francisco (Chair, 9th Abaca Festival Steering Committee)
- PBM Edwin T. Tanael for Vice Governor Peter C. Cua
- Baras Mayor Jose Paolo P. Teves III for Rep. Jose J. Teves Jr. (TGP Partylist)
- Mr. Jerry Beo for Congressman Eulogio R. Rodriguez
- Provincial Administrator Eulalia T. Talaran for Governor Joseph C. Cua
Each message echoed a unified call to honor the abaca industry and uplift the lives of its workers, whose toil and resilience continue to power the local economy and preserve the island’s cultural soul.
Adding life to the celebration were stirring performances from local talents such as the Lunduyan Voice Chorale, CatSU Rondalla, Catandungan Cultural Troupe, Kinang Dance Troupe from Bato, and various school-based dance groups — a beautiful reminder that abaca is more than a commodity; it’s a cultural identity.
One of the day’s major highlights was the official opening of the Happy Island Tourism Village: Municipal Tourism Booth Competition. Located at the Capitol Grounds, this immersive attraction offers a one-stop showcase of the best of Catanduanes — featuring the municipalities of Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, San Andres, San Miguel, Viga, and Virac.
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM throughout the Abaca Festival week, the Tourism Village invites both locals and visitors to explore each town’s:
- Signature tourism experiences
- Unique local products
- Rich cultural heritage
- Breathtaking natural attractions
“This is a celebration not only of our past, but of our future,” said Provincial Tourism Officer Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia, who presented the week-long activities. “By sharing our stories, flavors, and traditions, we weave a stronger, more united Catanduanes.”
As the 9th Abaca Festival unfolds, the people of Catanduanes come together in celebration of their roots, resilience, and renewed hopes — all stitched together by the enduring fiber that is abaca.
Happy 9th Abaca Festival, Catanduanes! (Photo credit to Provincial Tourism Office/Bicol Peryodiko NewsTeam)
