(story and photos from Bernard Supetran)
Immerse in the rich indigenous culture of Zamboanga del Norte with its Hudyaka Festival!
Hudyaka is a Visayan word which means merry-making. Zamboanga del Norte also celebrates its 60th founding day during the Hudyaka Festival on May 30 to June 9, 2012.
The Hudyaka Festival represents the province’s historical, cultural and natural heritage, and tourism potentials, as well as the good-natured character of its people. It also aims to promote the province as a top tourist spot and investment hub in the bustling region of Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) as envisioned by Gov. Rolando Yebes in 2005.
A fringe event, the Indigenous Peoples Congress, opens the festivity on May 29 which will tackle tribal concerns, especially the vital provisions of Indigenous Peoples Representation Act of 1997 (IPRA).
ZaNorte will feature the rich tapestry of indigenous culture with the Tribal Dance Congress on May 31 which brings to the fore the ethnic dances of Subanen, Kalibugan, and Muslims tribes in the province.
Hudyaka sa Zanorte was named by the Department of Tourism Region IX as the best festival in the region. It also won 3rd Best Tourism Event Award in 2011(Provincial Category) of the Association Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP).
The province officially turns 60 years old on June 6 with various commemorative programs and special events. With the theme “ZaNorte...60 years of Peace, Unity and Prosperity”, the festivities will also introduce the province’s up-and-coming tourist magnets for tourists to discover and explore.
The ten-day observance includes an assortment of socio-civic activities, agro-industrial fairs, indigenous and agri-games to revive traditional Filipino games and values.
Festivities culminate on June 9 with the grand street dance parade and presentation representing the local festivals of the 25 municipalities and two cities. Activities converge in the provincial capital city of Dipolog.
ZaNorte is noted for Dapitan, dubbed as “Shrine City” where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled in 1892 allegedly for organizing a rebellion against Spain. Adding dazzle to the city is Dakak, a sought-after white sand cove.
Log on to www.zanorte.gov.ph for more information. Discover and explore Zamboanga del Norte!
