By Jessica M. Bacud
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The province of Cagayan recently held its annual festivity, the Aggao Nac Cagayan, which marks the locale’s 439th Founding anniversary and celebrated the economic, social, and triumphs it has so far achieved.
Lawyer Mabel V. Mamba, chairperson of the festival, said the theme “Pag-asa at Pasasalamat” capitalized on the province’s gains and other drivers of the economy.
Mamba reveals the growth curve of the provincial government and expressed gratitude for its achievements and looks forward to the implementation of the Cagayan Development Agenda 2025 (CAGANDA 2025).
The Aggao Nac Cagayan recognizes Cagayano exemplars who have contributed to various fields of endeavor to the development of the province’s growth, and honor across the country and globally.
Governor Manuel N. Mamba highlighted the importance of this prestigious award to the local government and the whole province of Cagayan.
The awards exemplify “the greatness of a Cagayano, whose integrity, determination, dedication, service, and noble values are his pride to the country and the whole world,” Gov. Mamba said.
“These Outstanding Cagayanos are exemplars in their respective expertise and are the role models to inspire the youth and for them to emulate,” the governor emphasized.
Atty. Mamba, the brains and advocate of the awards and the first lady of the province, said: “Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano” is an avenue that demonstrates the world-class integrity and greatness of Cagayanos to the country and across the globe.
Nine Gintong Medalya Awardees made it to the roster of the esteemed search held in Cagayan Sports Coliseum in this city.
The awardees were lawyer Domingo Egon Q. Cayosa (Law), Catherine Mendoza (Community Service), Dr. Zsa Zsa May T. Meneses (Community Service), Architect Constante T. Ronquillo (Architecture and Culture), Maria Louisa Perez-Nievera (Entrepreneurship), Christopher P. Musni (Science and Technology), Marilyn Estrada (Government Service), Mark Anthony G. Articulo (Law), Rogelio P. Matalang (Broadcast Journalism), and Police Major Marlou U. Del Castillo (Peace and Order).
Meanwhile, the Natatanging Cagayano Awardee was conferred to General Edgar Batalla Aglipay, Chairman Emeritus of DIWA party-list and retired Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Another array of the activity is the Trade Fair where the products and services of the local government units (LGUs), businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises have marked another success offered indigenous handicrafts, lifestyle merchandise, and traditional Cagayan cuisine was held at the Leonardo Mamba Gym.
Meanwhile, Atty. Mamba lauded the support and productiveness of villagers in promoting the local delicacies, the Linubian native cake.
“The stories behind stimulating as these portray the culture and motivation of the Cagayanos,” she said.
The Linubian native cake showcased the culture and inspiration among Cagayanos. With the theme “Ayat a minuli ti Linubian” (Love that Linubian nurtured),” the native cake-making had been the bonding time of youth and couples in the early years while showing endearment with their partners was held at the agri-tourism center in Anquiray village in Amulung town.
Linubian, a Filipino word that means “mashed” or “crushed,” is made of minced cassava or banana and is spiced with grated coconut, sugar, margarine, and condensed milk. Others also add various food colors and other ingredients. Twenty-one rural improvement and 4H clubs in the province prepared their food entry for the contest.
The Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Libertad in Abulug town was adjudged champion with a P30,000 prizes. Its linubian has four ingredients as toppings, which include cheese, sesame seeds, sweetened grated coconut, and solid coconut curds mixed with coconut milk and butter and a minced ube or water yam on its center.
The 4H Club-Lal-lo took second prize with P25,000 with its linubian innovation that includes toppings of grated mango and calamansi. Meanwhile, Santa Teresita’s RIC took third place with a P20,000 prizes with its toppings of grated coconut and a designed heart symbol illustrating the festivity theme. The non-winning entries were given P5,000 each as consolation prizes.
The theme portrayal was won by 4H Club-Lal-lo with P15,000 while second and third place winners were RIC-Aparri (P10,000 prize) and RIC-Tuao (P5,000), respectively.
The festival celebrated the province’s victory that it proudly shares across the globe. The commemoration featured entertaining programs and competitions including an exotic food fest, coastal clean-up, sand sculpture competition, frisbee tournament, Cagayan authors’ summit, bloodletting, Aggao Nac Cathedral, Cagayan Arts and Creative Writing Awards, Turisinema de Cagayan, inter-department and inter-agency basketball and volleyball, Konsierte kontra korapsyon, dance sports, the feast day of Our Lady of Piat, tree planting, art exhibit, art classes, and night market.
As the official festival of the province of Cagayan, Aggao Nac Cagayan commemorates the establishment of the civil government of Cagayan, which was established on June 29, 1583, and kicked off from June 23-29.