In the heart of Cagayan Valley, the City of Ilagan emerges as a vibrant hub of culture and tradition, attracting visitors from far and wide. Ilagan, Isabela’s capital and the largest city by land area, played host to the resplendent Mammangi Festival in August 2023. This festival, deeply rooted in local heritage, celebrates the corn harvest and the dedicated corn farmers who have earned Ilagan its prestigious title as the Corn Capital of the Philippines.
Reviving Tradition After a Hiatus
After a three-year hiatus brought on by the global health pandemic, the Mammangi Festival made a triumphant comeback. Months of preparation and a week of final rehearsals culminated in a grand opening ceremony that set the stage for this unforgettable celebration.
Agri Eco-Tourism Booths: Showcasing Ilagan’s Diversity
The Agri Eco-Tourism Village provided visitors with a close look at the “Understanding the Liveable City of Ilagan 2030 Vision.” Each booth highlighted the creativity of Ilagan’s barangays while displaying and selling their agricultural produce and other local products. This unique fusion of culture and commerce not only celebrated the city’s agricultural heritage but also served as a platform for local entrepreneurs to promote their products and invigorate the local economy.
Binibining Ilagan 2023: A Night of Glamour
The festival continued in style with the highly anticipated Binibining Ilagan 2023 Grand Finals and Coronation Night. Hosted by the charismatic Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Beatrice Luigi Gomez, and GMA’s Carlo “Kaloy” Tingcungco, the event showcased the grace and beauty of Ilagan’s finest young women. After a dazzling display of costumes, swimsuits, gowns, and casual wear, Kristine Joy D. Guzman emerged as the radiant Binibining Ilagan 2023.
Barangay Night and Awarding of Sikan Na Ilagan: Honoring Excellence
The second day of the festivities witnessed the Barangay Night and Awarding of Sikan Na Ilagan and Outstanding Ilagueños 2023 at Ilagan Community Center. City officials, led by Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz and Vice Mayor Kiryll S. Bello, gathered to honor the city’s barangays. Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III and Vice Governor Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III joined in celebrating the achievements of Ilagan’s outstanding citizens. The night was filled with entertainment, including a modern dance competition and performances by singer-actress Geneva Cruz and the comedic duo MC and Lassy.
Mammangi Festival Street Dance and Showdown: A Spectacular Display
The grand finale of the Mammangi Festival, held at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex on August 9th, was the Mammangi Festival Street Dance and Showdown Competition. Dancers braved the scorching sun to captivate the audience with their colorful props and costumes representing the corn harvest. NorthEastern 1 emerged as the champion, followed by Poblacion 1 and San Antonio 1. The competition showcased the city’s grand vision, “The Liveable City of Ilagan 2030: Adhikain ng Bawat Ilagueño,” as the theme and storyline of their dance concepts.
A Vision for a Livable City: Ilagan 2030
The same venue that hosted the festival’s grand finale also served as the launch site for Ilagan’s new battle cry, “The Liveable City of Ilagan 2030: Adhikain ng Bawat Ilagueño.” Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz outlined the city’s vision, emphasizing five pillars: survivability, sustainability, innovation, mobility, and development. Infrastructure development, in particular, holds a crucial role in achieving economic growth and reducing poverty in the region.
Every barangay that participated in the festivities received project prizes from Mayor JLD, with the champions receiving substantial investments in their communities. NorthEastern 1, this year’s champion, received a remarkable P1 million worth of projects, reflecting Ilagan’s commitment to empowering its neighborhoods.
A Grand Conclusion: Concert and Fireworks
The Mammangi Festival 2023 reached its crescendo with a grand concert featuring both Manila and local artists, including Celeste Legazpi, Dulce, Gino Padilla, and Gigi De Lana. The performance was further enhanced by the Whiplash Dance Company, Top Five Choral Winners, and the Street Dance and Showdown champions. The festival concluded with a breathtaking fireworks display that rivaled international pyrotechnics.
The Mammangi Festival 2023 was not merely a celebration of tradition; it was a testament to the vibrant culture and vision of the City of Ilagan. With its commitment to becoming “The Liveable City of Ilagan 2030,” this dynamic city promises a future filled with prosperity, innovation, and community spirit. As we look forward to the many more Mammangi Festivals to come, it is clear that Ilagan’s journey towards a brighter future is only just beginning.
