Now on its 3rd year
MATAG-OB, Leyte-Now in its third year, the ‘Himorasak’ Festival in Matag-ob is beginning to attract a growing number of tourists, both local and foreign.
Mayor Bernardino “Bernie” Tacoy sees this as a positive step toward making the town a rising tourist destination.
“Matag-ob is now drawing visitors not only from neighboring municipalities but also from outside the region, including foreign tourists,” he said.
According to the town’s tourism office, around 12,000 tourists visited Matag-ob in 2023, the second year since the Himorasak Festival was launched.
The festival aims to showcase the town’s cultural heritage and natural attractions, making it a key part of the local tourism push.
This year’s Himorasak Festival kicked off on Saturday, September 7, with a variety of activities, including a cultural festival and the opening of a food center offering local delicacies unique to Matag-ob.
The fourth-class municipality, with a population of over 17,000 spread across 21 barangays, is known for its natural attractions, such as waterfalls and caves, many of which are still being developed for tourism.
The name “Himurasak” translates to “abundance,” reflecting the town’s goal to highlight its natural and cultural wealth.
Mayor Tacoy emphasized that the festival is helping the local government focus on developing the town’s natural wonders.
“For instance, we have 27 caves that we plan to develop as tourist attractions, in addition to Bondari Park,” Tacoy said.
He noted that they are consulting with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on how best to preserve these caves while turning them into sustainable tourist destinations.
“We need to follow all necessary processes to avoid any legal issues,” the mayor added.
As part of the festival, Mayor Tacoy’s administration is also making rice more affordable for the less fortunate residents. During the month-long festivity, around 1,000 beneficiaries will be able to purchase rice at P20 per kilogram, with each beneficiary entitled to buy five kilograms.
The mayor hopes to eventually extend this benefit to all residents of Matag-ob.
“That is our ultimate goal,” Tacoy said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
