TUGUEGARAO CITY -- The province of Cagayan on Saturday formally kicked off its 435th “Aggao Nac Cagayan”, which marks the founding anniversary of the civil government.
Governor Manuel Mamba led the thanksgiving mass held at St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral, which was attended by provincial officials and employees, leaders of the cities and municipalities of Cagayan, and representatives of national-based government agencies.
The official “Aggao Nac Cagayan” Day will be held on June 29 but the festival will last until July 1. It will be a special non-working holiday in the province, as declared through Executive Order No. 2420 by former president Ferdinand Marcos.
This year’s theme, “Cagayan Looking Northward”, shares to visitors how family-inherited traits have contributed to the province’s fast-growing socio-cultural and economic development.
Meanwhile, local government units (LGUs), businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises will feature their products and services in a trade fair during the 435th Aggao Nac Cagayan that will be held at the Leonardo Mamba Gym until July 1.
Provincial agriculturist Perlita Mabasa said the Paddrafunan Trade Fair will showcase unique agri-fishery products, modern technology, and other services of LGUs, national governance associations and organizations, and other businesses.
Mabasa said they will also hold a daily raffle promo. “For every purchase of PHP100, one is entitled to a raffle ticket. At the end of each day, we will have a raffle draw and give prizes to three winners,” she said.
Cagayan Lawyer Charo Mamba-Villaflor, Capitol Chief of Staff and tourism officer-in-charge, said the provincial government wants to replicate the success of the trade fair during the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association meet earlier this year.
Because all participants will be provided uniformed stalls, there will be no competition to determine the best booth this year.
However, the provincial government will award a trophy and cash prize to the top grosser LGU or business at the end of the week.
Aside from the product and technology display, the trade fair will also host a trading post and auction of products of high economic value.
Villaflor added that cultural shows, bands, and games will be held every night at the Paddarafunan trade fair, consistent with the tourism office’s tradition during the past Aggao celebrations.
Other activities lined up during the week-long founding anniversary celebrations are a street dance parade competition, festival dance showdown competition, best agri-ecotourism booth, bangkarera contest along the Pinacanauan river, quiz bee, oratorical contest, and gaggayam nac Cagayan (native sports of Cagayanos), among others.
Outstanding farmers will receive the “Gawad Saka” and there will be sponsored concerts. (PNA)
