4 months ago
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CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela — Despite the rain and the heavy flow of traffic in the city proper, the opening of the scarecrow-inspired Bambanti Festival pushed through on Monday, unveiling the agro-ecotourism booths and various scarecrows on display at the provincial capitol grounds here.
LOCAL PRODUCTS Residents and tourists visit the agro-ecological booth of Cabatuan town during the opening of the annual Bambanti Festival at the provincial capitol grounds in Isabela on Jan. 20, 2025. PHOTO BY VINCE JACOB VISAYA
Thirty-four towns and the cities of Cauayan, Ilagan and Santiago have put up scarecrows at their booths that highlight each town's cultural heritage and icons ranging from agricultural, environmental, industrial and historical sites.
Residents and tourists troop to the area to buy goods and delicacies from local entrepreneurs at the booths. They also enjoyed taking selfies with the scarecrows.
"This is the time to enjoy my vacation so I watch the grand singing finale and now, I would buy our products in the province," Rhea de la Cruz, a visitor, told The Manila Times on Monday.
Bambanti has been described as a demonstration of thanksgiving for a rich agricultural harvest and to celebrate the diligence, resilience and vigilance by the Isabeleños even during calamities.
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Bambanti, an Ilocano word for scarecrow, has been a prominent figure at rice fields to drive away birds and pests from crops.
Colorful costumes, dance presentations, street dancing, singing tilt, sports competition, medical mission, concerts and other activities have been lined up throughout the weeklong festivities.
