Camalig, Albay — The town of Camalig in Albay province is set to revive its much-anticipated Pinangat Festival next month, after a four-year pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and threats from the nearby Mayon Volcano. The festival is a celebration of local culture and cuisine, especially showcasing pinangat, a beloved Bicolano dish.
According to Philippines News Agency, who discussed the event in a phone interview on Saturday, the festival will take place from June 10 to 24. It aims to attract about 20,000 visitors, boosting local tourism and the economy. Pinangat is a traditional Bicol dish made from taro leaves, chili, and meat, stewed in coconut milk and wrapped in coconut leaves. "We want the tourists to see that Camalig has so much to offer. Aside from our famous tourist destinations with Mayon Volcano as a perfect view, we have our famous delicacies like the internationally known pinangat and pili nuts," said Mayor Baldo.
The festival will feature several events, including the Pinangat Amazing Race and a pinangat-making competition for youth, which are designed to preserve the local culture and promote the dish among younger generations. Additionally, the municipal government plans to showcase the longest pinangat, measuring up to a kilometer and featuring both spicy and regular flavors.
Participating stores in the festival bazaar will receive seed money to display their designs and artworks that reflect the beauty of Camalig. The Office of the Mayor's tourism and cultural division has allocated PHP3.5 million for the festival's expenses.
Mayor Baldo also noted efforts to expand the reach of pinangat globally, with plans to collaborate with national government agencies to market the dish internationally.