FOURTH TAN-OK NI ILOCANO FESTIVAL HAILED A SUCCESS, BENEFITS SMES Drawing more than 50,000 local and balikbayan spectators, the biggest gathering in the north dubbed as “Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals” has successfully raised almost half million pesos for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in the province. Held on November 29, 2014 at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium, this grand celebration of Ilocano greatness (“Tan-ok” in Iluko) is now on its fourth year installment. Provincial Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel said Governor Imee Marcos want to support SMEs by giving them financial assistance in order to better promote local products which have been the source of great pride to Ilocanos. “The SMEs of the province are chosen as the beneficiaries for the event because after our appearance in Manila FAME (Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange) International where Ilocos Norte was recognized due to their works being displayed in our booth, we realized they need more assistance to develop and promote their products,” Raquel said. Manila FAME was held last October 16-19, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center wherein Ilocos Norte’s rich cultural narrative and its people’s ingenuity were featured through a variety of handloom-woven clothes, ceramics and wood furniture. In her speech during the event, Governor Imee Marcos cited the importance of upholding and safeguarding Ilocano culture and heritage. “Ang kultura at sining ay hindi hilig o luho lamang ng mayayaman at matataas kundi hanapbuhay at propesyon ng napakarami sa atin,” she said. By providing assistance to the SMEs through Tan-ok , Gov. Imee believes that they will be able to grow their respective businesses which can generate more job opportunities for Ilocanos in the province. Gov. Imee has also expressed that this festival of masses is not just about the Ilocano “sense of pride, unity and greatness” but an investment for the province’s bounty and potential tourism. Last year, Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival was organized to raise funds for the construction of the new building of Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Ilocos Norte Chapter in Laoag City. Gov. Imee recognized and thanked PNRC Ilocos Norte Chapter for “their extraordinary efforts not only in times of calamity but for the health and safety of our families.” She also emphasized their contributions to the relief efforts to Typhoon Yolanda affected areas, particularly in Tacloban City. Out of the 21 municipalities and 2 cities, Laoag City’s Pamulinawen Festival bested the prestigious dance showdown with the unique and exceptional portrayal of the city’s culture and history by its youngest performers. Gaining the second spot was the Dinaklisan Festival of Currimao, one of the crowd favorites, while the third spot was earned by the Tadek Festival of Nueva Era. Other festivals which topped the competition are: Empanada Festival (Batac City), Ginginnubat Festival (Adams), Panagalap Festival (Dumalneg), Panagabuos Festival (Banna) and Guling-guling Festival (Paoay). “Pinagmamalaki natin ang kakaiba at katangi-tanging kultura ng ating probinsia, Kakaiba sapagkat ang tao natin ang tanging kayamanan. The values that distinguish us as a people beyond the artifacts and skills and pioneering spirit that have brought Ilocanos in every corner of the world. Pasingkedan ti kinatan-ok ni Ilocano!” Gov. Imee concluded.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 01:47:09 +0000
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