The Isneg tribe of Dumalneg town, located 73 km. northeast of this city, is set to celebrate on Wednesday the Panagwawagi Festival, an annual event showcasing the town’s brotherhood and cultural pride.
The festival, which commemorates the peace pact between tribes, is usually celebrated through ethnic dances using indigenous musical instruments and a community boodle fight featuring native dishes. Its name is derived from the Isneg term for brotherhood.
Every year, Dumalneg resident Vanessa Aguinaldo looks forward to the Panagwawagi Festival, as she gets to participate in the whole-day festivity along with students of the Dumalneg National High School where she is the principal.
“Panagwawagi Festival is significant for me because it fosters a sense of solidarity among the people of Dumalneg, building a closer connection and reinforcing our shared identity,” she said in an interview on Tuesday.
According to Dumalneg Mayor Francis Espiritu Jr., this year’s festival is an expression of gratitude “for the outpour of favors and blessings.”
“Dumalneg is in the season of breakthroughs. Hence, as we celebrate this year’s Panagwawagi Festival, let’s take a moment to express our gratitude,” Espiritu said in a statement.
He enjoined residents to participate in the different events highlighting the town’s festive cultural dances and songs, as well as traditional games and a costume parade.
Meanwhile, in her message, Arlene Domingo, 2025 town fiesta manager and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer, expressed hope that through the festival, every resident would be able to reflect on his or her unique identity and take pride in his or her heritage.
“This celebration calls us to uphold and cherish what is truly valuable: our heritage, our togetherness, and our commitment to build a future marked by harmony and progress,” she said.
Dumalneg is composed of three villages – Cabaritan, Kalaw, and Quibel.
By Leilanie Adriano(PNA)