Legarda: Enrich Our Festivals, Preserve Our Culture

March 14, 2013

Reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda encouraged Filipinos to carry on with the tradition of celebrating festivals in towns and provinces during her visit to Pampanga.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, said that the conduct of grand and vibrant fiestas is part of the rich culture of the Philippines and it brings Filipino culture closer to the people.

“We must continue to enrich these celebrations, which not only remind us of the history and traditions of our towns and provinces, but also unite people and communities as they work together in making our festivals successful,” she said.

The Senator explained that festivals are effective tools in preserving Philippine culture since these are conducted every year and involve everyone in the community including the young citizens.

She added that fiestas also help boost local economy through tourism, citing some major festivals in Pampanga, such as the Giant Lantern Festival, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, the Piestang Tugak or Frog Festival, the Apung Iru Fluvial Festival, and the Sinukwan Festival.

“Since Filipinos enjoy these fiestas in their towns and provinces, these celebrations become effective channels in bringing our culture closer to the people, especially to the youth,” she stressed.

“I urge all Filipinos to take that extra step of knowing more about the story behind the festivals in our country and take to heart the traditions passed on by our forefathers as these cultural treasures constitute the Filipino soul,” Legarda concluded.***