MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA) — The Kuyamis Festival, a celebration to help revitalize the coconut industry in the province, was recently held in streets of New York City during the 126th Philippine independence anniversary commemoration Cultural Parade last June 2.
The Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), Inc., a nonprofit organization based in New York City, led the parade.
PIDC President Arman David, in an interview with WPIX11, emphasized the importance of commemorating and celebrating Philippine independence as a way to preserve the heritage and culture of Filipinos abroad, particularly in New York.
“With over 400,000 Filipinos here in New York City, it is important to continue our Filipino heritage for future generations. This year’s theme, “To preserve Filipino heritage and culture for future generations,” underscores the importance of uniting future Filipino-American generations here,” David said.
Various Filipino organizations also attended the celebration, That also featured Filipino food and products.
Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa represented the provincial government of Misamis Oriental at the event and expressed appreciation for being part of it. He explained that Kuyamis is an endemic variety of coconut that grows in Misamis Oriental, and Gov. Peter Unabia is passionate about bringing the festival to the world stage.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our culture, promote our tourism industry, and revitalize the coconut industry in Misamis Oriental to continue developing our agricultural sector with government support,” Cañosa said.
Eighty performers from the Kuyamis Festival took to the streets of New York, leaving Cañosa andUnabia optimistic that the eventwould further promote Misamis Oriental’s tourism industry and the Kuyamis Festival itself on the world stage. (JAKA/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
Eighty performers from Misamis Oriental showcased the Kuyamis Festival dance during the 126th Philippine Independence Anniversary Commemoration Cultural Parade in New York City. (Photo courtesy of Gingoog City LGU)
