Binulig Festival is the yearly agricultural festival in the city of Panabo, Davao del Norte, Philippines every second week of October. It is a week-long celebration. The city is known as the banana capital of the Philippines and almost 80% of its area is allocated to farming.
The city also celebrates Araw ng Panabo every March 31.
History of Binulig Festival
Panabo City used to hold Banana Festival since 2008. It was a celebration of banana, of which the city produces as a major cash crop. Its schedule was set in the last week of March in time for the founding anniversary of the city. About 70% of the city’s total land area is dedicated to banana plantation.
Then in 2013, the first Binulig Festival was launched. Its schedule was set in October. The founding anniversary of the city meanwhile is called Araw ng Panabo, which recalls the establishment of the city by virtue of Republic Act No. 9015 on March 31, 2001.
Its name comes from the word bulig, which refers to a stalk of banana fruits when harvested from the plant. In the context of the festival, it means a cluster or group that is a representation of the unity and harmony among the people of the city. In addition, it is also a celebration for bountiful harvest.
Binulig Festival Activities
Activities for Binulig Festival include sport events and competitions such as cycling, shooting fest, body building, table tennis, chess, etc. There are also events dedicated for farmers, skills building, and entrepreneurship.
Perhaps the highlight is the trade fair in Binulig Agri Village which features booths for display of local products. Another is the Hiyas ng Binulig (roughly translates to Gem of Binulig), a beauty pageant that is regarded the most prestigious in the city. Moreover, its culminating activities are Kasaulogan sa Binulig (Binulig Celebration) and Abundang Ani (Bountiful Harvest) Variety Show.
How to reach Panabo City, Davao del Norte
Book a flight to Davao International Airport and take a bus to Panabo City, which is over 20 kilometers and would take over half an hour of travel.
References
- Vincent Virtucio. Panabo launches first Banana Festival. ABS-CBN News. March 28, 2008. Retrieved November 30, 2022
- Panabo City celebrates 4th Binulig Festival. Sunstar Davao. October 13, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2022
- Kathleen de Villa. This week’s festivals: March 31 to April 6, 2019. Philippine Daily Inquirer. March 31, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2022
- Republic Act No. 9015. Official Gazette. Retrieved November 30, 2022
- Festivals and celebrations. City Government of Panabo. Retrieved November 30, 2022
Binulig Festival Summary
Name Binulig Festival Celebration Harvest Contact (084) 822-7445 Country Philippines Date Second week of October Duration 1 week Email cado@panabo.gov.ph Established October 2013 Facebook www.facebook.com Location Panabo City, Davao del Norte Organizer City Government of Panabo Previous Name Banana Festival Twitter mobile.twitter.com Website panabocity.gov.ph
| Name | Binulig Festival |
|---|---|
| Celebration | Harvest |
| Contact | (084) 822-7445 |
| Country | Philippines |
| Date | Second week of October |
| Duration | 1 week |
| cado@panabo.gov.ph | |
| Established | October 2013 |
| www.facebook.com | |
| Location | Panabo City, Davao del Norte |
| Organizer | City Government of Panabo |
| Previous Name | Banana Festival |
| mobile.twitter.com | |
| Website | panabocity.gov.ph |