SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The capital town of San Jose in Antique is celebrating its “Tiringbanay” (Coming Together) Festival from April 29 to May 1.
The festivity is an annual celebration inspired by the homecoming and reunion of locals during the summer, which also coincides with the town’s fiesta on May 1 in honor of its patron Saint Joseph the Worker.
Festival coordinator and Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office (MEEDO) chief Darcy Bungay said that this year’s celebration emphasizes the spirit of joy and unity innate among San Josenhons, as reflected on the theme “Tiringbanay sa Kalipay, Tiringbanay sa Pagbinuligay (Together in Joy, Together in Helping One Another).”
To ensure the safety of revelers and tourists, as well as peace and order throughout the celebration, Bungay added that security preparations are also in place, with an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) comprising the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
For his part, San Jose Mayor Elmer C. Untaran said that this year’s festival will have activities dedicated to the working class, such as farmers and fisherfolks, whom he lauded for their contributions to the community.
Some 20 farmers and 16 fisherfolk associations join in the festivities through an exhibit of their local produce at the Evelio B. Javier (EBJ) Freedom Park, which is expected to help farmers and fisherfolk augment their profits by providing a venue to sell their products.
Some of the highlights of the 3-day Tiringbanay Festival are the following – on April 29, a Grand Parade from Robinsons Antique to EBJ Freedom Park and Lin-ay kang San Jose de Buenavista (Miss San Jose de Buenavista) Coronation Night; on April 30, a cultural dance competition and Lucid Night 2.0: Neon Glow rave party; and, on May 1, Tiringbanay Jobs Fair at Robinsons Antique, Sadsad Sinadya sa Karsada street dancing, a fireworks display.
There are also prelude activities as early as April 19 which include Tiringbanay Food Fest, Abre-Siete Night Market, Tiripunan Food Kiosk, and different sporting events.
As they promise non-stop fun and excitement, officials of the local government unit (LGU) of San Jose de Buenavista invite locals and visitors to participate in the festivities intended to stimulate not just the local economy but everyone’s adrenaline as well.
The municipal government allocated P5.7 million for the grand celebration of the Tiringbanay Festival this year. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)
