LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The province of Pangasinan welcomes summer with its famous Pista’y Dayat festivities and the opening of the 44rd Agew na Pangasinan as well as the 14th Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo on April 3, 2023 at the Capitol Beachfront.
Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III was joined by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, Board Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, department heads of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan led by Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, representatives from national line agencies, livelihood organizations and expo exhibitors. Mayor Marvin M. Martinez of Infanta, Mayor Jolly R. Resuello of Basista, Mayor Jojo B. Callejo of Alcala, Mayor Julius C. Ramos of Sta. Maria, Councilor Ronald Catabay of Bani, and League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Pangasinan Chapter President Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil and Lingayen officials were also present to show their support for the province’s grand festival.
Coinciding with the observance of Holy Week, the solemn celebration featured a ritual that illustrated and gave importance to Pangasinan’s fisherfolks and their traditions after the provincial government’s flag ceremony at the Capitol Plaza, which continued in a procession to the expo grounds.
After Bishop Luis G. Honrado, Jr. from the Jesus Christ Global Outreach delivered a prayer for blessings, Governor Guico noted in his message that this year has the most number of participation from LGUs, with Agno, Alcala, Asingan, Bani, Basista, Bautista, Binalonan, Binmaley, Calasiao, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, San Carlos City, San Fabian, Sta. Maria, Urbiztondo, and Villasis joining the festivities. Afterward, the Matalunggaring Dancers from the Pangasinan State University Bayambang Campus performed a Pangasinan folk dance called, Oasioas which symbolizes a warm welcome to fishermen back to shore with performers gracefully balancing lamps as they dance.
A Best Dressed Tourism Booth Contest (LGU category) was also held during the opening with Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan (Department of Trade & Industry – Regional Office 1), Ms. Gay Nova Marie A. Gapas (Senior Tourism Operations Officer representing Regional Director Joseph Francisco R. Ortega of the Department of Tourism – Regional Office 1) and Mr. John Paul Albert “Pope” N. Dalisay (visual artist from Dagupan City) as guest judges. LGU Bani bagged first place with LGU Villasis and LGU Alcala winning second and third place respectively.
The 14th Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo will be open from April 3 to May 2, 2023 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. More Pista’y Dayat activities will be announced on the official Facebook Page of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.
/MCDG-U
Photos: KFC
