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Cagayan

Aggao Nac Cagayan

Aggao Nac Cagayan is a founding anniversary celebration in the province of Cagayan, Philippines held every June 29. A province-wide festivity, it is gathering of the province’s localities and a celebration of their diverse cultural festivals. It lasts for a week and opening activities kick off in June 23.

History of Aggao Nac Cagayan

Aggao Nac Cagayan translates to Cagayan Day. It is a festival that is joined by LGUs of component localities of the province of Cagayan, schools, institutions, and other organizations.

Founding of Cagayan

In the past, Cagayan was peopled by aboriginal group known as Agtas. Migration of the Malays followed suit, displacing the aborigines to the more remote interiors of the lands. The area had established trading centers with contacts and economic activities with seafaring Chinese, Japanese, and other foreign merchants.

It was one of these settlements that Spanish colonizer Juan de Salcedo came upon during his exploration at the onset of the Spanish conquest.

The civil government of Cagayan was established through a royal decree on June 29, 1583. It was then called La Provincia de Cagayan whose capital is Nueva Segovia (the town of Lla-lo) and which consisted the provinces of Batanes, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and some territories of Kalinga and Apayao. Reorganization over the next centuries saw partitions of the province until in 1908 that its territory was defined.

First Aggao Nac Cagayan

During the administration of governor Teresa J. Dupaya, the first Aggao Nac Cagayan was held on August 12 to 16, 1971 to resounding success. The change of the date of its celebration was implemented during the administration of Justiniano P. Cortez to coincide the founding of the province.

Cortez also organized the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the province in 1983. It was also in the same year that Proclamation No. 2295 declared 29th of June a nonworking special public holiday in the province. Two years later, Proclamation No. 2430 made it a holiday moving forward.

Aggao Nac Cagayan Schedule of Activities

Aggao Nac Cagayan has a full schedule of activities. There are sports-related events such as native sports, games, biking, and volleyball. Other activities include art and cultural shows, clean-up, sand sculpture, concerts, musical events, singing contest, lectures, cook fest that uses exotic ingredients, tree planting, trading and auction, etc.

Here are some of the highlights.

Bangkarera

Bangkarera is a boat race along the river in Cagayan. It is participated by fisher folks who want to showcase their skills in navigating the river and compete among each other. It also puts a spotlight on the aquatic resources of the province. Participants are representatives of their localities.

Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano

Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano is an award given by the provincial government to individuals in recognition of their achievements in nation-building, service to community, outstanding performances, and being inspiration to society.

Linubian Festival

Linubian Festival comes from the word linubian, which means mashed. It is a cake made of cassava that is turned into fine pieces using mortar and pestle and then mixed with ingredients such as coconut, sugar, and condensed milk. It is a local delicacy of the province. Linubian festival is a cooking tilt where representatives from each locality and organizations compete in coming up with the best-tasting, inventive snack.

Night Market

Night Market allows a space for small businesses to flourish. It is usually open late in the afternoon or early evening and lasts until midnight. Stalls that are put up sell various food items, street food, beverages, snacks, refreshments, food preserves, furniture, plants, souvenir items, handicrafts, fashion, accessories, art pieces, and other sundry items. In some years, the total number of exhibitors can run up to a hundred.

Pabbarayle Cultural Dance Parade and Showdown

Pabbarayle Cultural Dance Parade and Showdown is a parade that feature merry and colorful street dancing. It is also where the street-dancing competition is held and judged, and winners will receive cash prizes. Those who are joining the contest are contingents that represent the different localities of the province. Their participation means that they present their local cultural festivals.

Trade Fair

Trade Fair is participated by businesses (established entities as well as small and medium-sized enterprises), and local government units. It puts on display and for sale the products and services that they offer.

How to reach Cagayan

One buy plane tickets to any one of the nearby airports in Isabela or Tuguegarao. Then take the bus or van that will take you to Tuguegarao, the capital of Cagayan.

References

Aggao Nac Cagayan Summary

NameAggao Nac Cagayan
CountryPhilippines
DateJune 29
Duration1 week
Established1971
Facebookm.facebook.com
FounderTeresa J. Dupaya
LocationCagayan
OrganizerProvincial Government of Cagayan