Malacañang Declares June 24 Non-working Day in Tabaco City

Tabaco City (PNA) — Malacañang has declared June 24 a special non-working day in this city, some 27 kilometers north of Legazpi City, to give way to the celebration of the 14th Tabak Festival in line with the feast of its patron, St. John the Baptist.

The festival is a livelihood showcase of the city, particularly cutlery.

It derived its name from the local word “tabak,” meaning bolo, where the name of the city (Tabaco) was taken from.

Councilor Raul Borejon, the author of the resolution sent to Malacañang through the Sangguniang Panlunsod, said this is to give their constituents time to celebrate, especially the feast of their patron saint.

Proclamation No. 1060 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa was issued last June 22.

Rolly Embile, Tabaco City public information officer, said the festival started last June 15 where they highlighted the events with the city’s main products.

Embile said the city does not only promote its known product “tabak” but also promotes its long-time tradition that gives primary livelihood to their people, the “padyak”.

He said almost 7,000 persons are operating padyak units round the clock.

“More or less 10,000-12,000 families rely on this livelihood for over 20 years now and the drivers collect only Php5 fare anytime of the day. Our city is famous for this tradition,” he said.

Among the events were “Padyak Amazing Race”, a summer cycling race and the competition on best padyak design.

The event also showcases different agri-industrial products, legend and pageantry. (PNA) CTB/FGS/AMM/CBD