CALAMBA CITY—From its impressive comeback in 2023, Anilag Festival 2024 promises to open with a bang as Laguna province, led by Gov. Ramil Hernandez and provincial officials ushers in the annual festivity with the theme, “Tuloy-tuloy ang saya. Tara na sa Laguna.”
“It’s all systems go with all preparations in place to make this year’s festival even more exciting, bigger, bolder and brighter,” Hernandez told Manila Standard.
The festivities will take place on March 10-17 with the capitol grounds and the Laguna Sports Complex becoming more colorful during the period, Hernandez said
“In acknowledging and remembering why we birthed Anilag, we are reminded of that fine balance of hope and despair,” Hernandez added.
The Anilag Festival was conceived as a celebration of hope, optimism, and resilience in the face of challenging events, while also promoting tourism, in line with “Love Laguna” tourism program of Laguna 2nd District Rep. Ruth Hernandez.
The lawmaker said cultural presentations such as Sayaw Laguna, Anilag arts and music festival with hot air balloon exhibition would make the festivities more exciting.
The Voice of Laguna, Himig Laguna song-writing competition, Binibini at Ginoong Laguna, Mr & Mrs Laguna, Pinakamagandang Lola and That’s My Lolo pageants were expected to further enflame the excitement.
“There are unique activities like the Laguna Events Supplier Wedding Expo, Tattoo Arts Competition, Sagala ng Disenyo at Kultura, Hair & Makeup contest, Fruits & Vegetables Carving contest, Hapag Kainan culinary feast, Halina’t Mamiyesta Fishtahan sa Laguna, and the feline program Furry Run for Fun,” she said.
Provincial administrator Dulce Rabanal said there are also sports competitions such as kite-flying, zumba, sportsfest for persons with disabilities; and practical shooting. There are also the Laguna Car and Motor Show, photography contest, tiktok challenge, fireworks competition, and People’s Night Extreme.
Other activities and programs for social an economic benefits are job fairs and business summit, she said.
Meanwhile, the Laguna Provincial Police Office vowed to ensure peace and order during the eight-day evens.
Police provincial director, Col. Gauvin Mel Unos said he would deploy 500 more policemen to secure the festivities.
“This is so we can be sure that the safety of Lagunenses and tourists alike so that fun and enjoyment for the 2024 Anilag Festival will be maximized, and it’s success ensured,” Unos said.