Laoag City launches 2025 Pamulinawen Festival, showcases culture, community spirit
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) —The vibrant culture and strong community spirit of Laoag City will take the center stage throughout the 2025 Pamulinawen Festival, which was officially launched with a Civic-Military Parade on February 1.
The grand opening marks the start of a monthlong celebration honoring the city’s rich heritage, local artistry, and resilient community bonds.
The opening parade was joined by barangay officials and community leaders, students and faculty from various schools and colleges in the city, representatives from national government agencies (NGAs), and members of non-government organizations (NGOs).
Their participation highlighted the city’s shared commitment to preserving its cultural identity.
Uniformed personnel from the Laoag City Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Special Action Force (SAF), Army, Navy, and Air Force also marched in unison, demonstrating discipline and solidarity.
To encourage greater participation and creativity, the city government awarded cash prizes of P8,000 each to the most colorful, most disciplined, and best-performing delegations in the barangay, NGA, NGO, and school categories.
- Most Colorful Delegations: Barangay 57-Pila, the Department of Education Schools Division of Laoag City (DepEd-SDOLC), the Federated Day Care Parents, and Data Center College of the Philippines (DCCP) Laoag City.
- Biggest Delegations: Barangay 57-Pila, DepEd-SDOLC, DCCP Laoag City, and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
- Most Disciplined Delegations: Barangay 55-C Vira, DepEd Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, and CIASI 61892 Ilocos Norte Original.
- Best Military/Para-Military Contingent: Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO).
- Best Marching Cadet College: Northwestern University (NWU).
The opening day was capped with the Pamulinawen Panagyaman [Thanksgiving] concert held at the Aurora Park with Filipino artists Paul Salas, Lyca Gairanod, and the band Nobita.
A celebration of culture and tradition
With a theme of “Prevail”—symbolizing resilience, unity, and progress—the Pamulinawen Festival 2025 offers a diverse lineup of activities that highlight local traditions, economic opportunities, and cultural pride. Events schedules are as follows:
- February 2: Opening of the Pamulinawen Agro-Industrial Trade Fair and Marikina Shoe Expo at Laoag Central Elementary School, showcasing local products until February 15.
- February 7: Kalesa Parade, featuring decorated horse-drawn carriages along the city streets.
- February 9: The Grand Float Parade, a visual spectacle highlighting artistic and cultural creativity.
- February 10: The festival’s main feast day, featuring the Baro a Laoag (New Laoag) Street Dance Competition at Aurora Park.
- February 12: The Miss Laoag City Pamulinawen Festival 2025 Coronation Night at Centennial Arena, celebrating beauty and intelligence.
- February 16: The Pamulinawen Grand Pet Show and Pet TLC Health Caravan, a special gathering for pet owners and animal lovers.
- February 17: A Tricycle Drivers and Operators Recognition Parade, honoring the city’s hardworking transport sector.
- February 23: The 3rd Laoag Sand Dunes Challenge, a running event in Brgy. La Paz, promoting sports and adventure tourism.
- February 28: The Fluvial Parade at Padsan River, a tribute to St. William the Hermit, the city’s patron saint, as the festival’s culminating event.
Lawyer Charito Malicad, Laoag City Tourism Officer said that the Pamulinawen Festival serves as a testament to Laoag City’s enduring spirit and rich cultural heritage. More than just a celebration, it fosters economic growth, tourism, and community collaboration.
“Our theme is, ‘prevail’, which means to succeed, triumph. So come experience the vibrant energy of our city as we celebrate our triumphs and embrace the future with hope and optimism,” Malicad said.
With a monthlong celebration filled with various festivities, the 2025 Pamulinawen Festival promises to unite the people of Laoag City with a showcase of culture, tradition, and community spirit. (CCMT/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
