Laoag City Marks 20 Years Of ‘Blessed’ Governance

Through the years, the ‘Pamulinawen’ festival of Laoag City has evolved as a popular street celebration that showcases Ilocano culture through traditional dances.

And 20 years after it debuted as a street carnival, the Pamulinawen fest has become one of the anticipated mardi gras in northern Luzon.

Aside from making its mark in the national map of festivals, Laoag is also recognized in the good governance arena as indicated by the awards it has received.

The awards include 2014 championship award for the Search for Local Government Unit (LGU) Convergence; Public Employment Service Office Top Regional Performer; Champion for Regional Search for Cleanest, Safest and Greenest City; Recipent of Golden Globe Annual Awards for Filipino Achiever; Regional Gawad Kalasag Award; 2015 Seal of Good Governance.

The word ‘Pamulinawen’ means “Ilocano Maiden” which originated from an Ilocano song depicting courtship between a man and a young lady by the window of a ‘kubo’ (nipa hut).

The festival this year is focused on the theme “Blessed” echoing the city’s achievements and awards that brought pride and honor to all Laoagenos.

This year’s celebration centers on street-dancing and pageantry, ‘Dulang’ (Food) and Calesa festival including dances and music.

The float parade participated by public and private agencies has become a crowd drawer and contributes to Ilocos Norte’s growing tourism industry.

The annual festival has also become an occasion for family reunions and school homecomings, beauty pageant, street dancing, balikbayan nights, and Ilocano stage plays.

To Mayor Chevylle Fariñas, this year’s theme coincides with the continuing blessings the city receives.

She said that after 50 years of cityhood, Laoag occupies a place in the arena of best cities in the Philippines.

“The theme depicts what Laoag was and (how it has transformed) to become a magnificent Laoag through continuous innovation and creation,” she said. (MCA/CDG, PIA1-Ilocos Norte)