TACLOBAN CITY – Despite only seven contingents which join the return of the Agta Festival this year, the local chief executive of Bobon, Northern Samar was still happy because of the huge crowd that watched the delegates during their performances held last Sunday (Jan. 8).
“I am very thankful that you continue supporting our Sto. Niño celebration here in Bobon, specially the Agta Festival,” Mayor Rene Celespara said.
“This is the first time that only seven contingents joined the competition but the crowd is big and this is a big challenge for LGU Bobon and the Agta Festival management to improve handling this event including the guidelines,” the town mayor added.
Agta Festival is held in the municipality every second Sunday of January to honor and venerate the black image of the Holy Child Jesus.
Bobon had been holding the Agta Festival since 1981 and is participated by contingents from various municipalities of Northern Samar.
The annual festival competition was halted for two years due to pandemic.
For this year’s competition, the contingent from Barangay Narra, Catarman, the Catarmanon Pride bagged the top prize and won P70,000 cash prize.
Sto. Niňo tribe of Bobon was in second place while Tribu Carang of San Jose town bagged 3rd place.
Tribu San Rafael of Bobon bagged the special award for best in costume while the most discipline contingent was won by the Sto. Niňo tribe.
Prior to the festival competition, a street dancing parade was held around the town’s major streets after the concelebrated mass officiated by Catarman Bishop Emmanuel Trance at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish which was built in 1892. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
