Philippines Celebrates Culture and History Through Diverse Festivals

Various festivals celebrating historical events and local culture are being held across the Philippines from September 13 to September 19. In Torrijos, Marinduque, the National Historical Institute installed a historical marker commemorating the "Marinduque Revolutionary Force." This force was organized on May 6, 1900, by then-Governor Martin Lardizaball, pursuant to an order from Gen. Mariano Trias of the Southern Command, following the outbreak of hostilities between Filipinos and Americans on February 4, 1899. The force was divided into an Infantry Battalion and a Militia Battalion, composed of male residents from the municipalities of Boac, Santa Cruz, Gasan, Mogpog, and Torrijos. They achieved victories against American forces in the Battle of Paye in Boac on July 31, 1900, and the Battle of Pulang Lupa in Torrijos on September 13, 1900. Meanwhile, Iloilo City unveiled its Nutrition Center production facility, which aims to provide nutritious food and promote healthier eating habits, particularly targeting malnourished children aged six months to three years. The facility can produce at least 1,000 packs daily of a "rice-mongo-sesame" blend complementary food, developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Dubbed "Rais-Sustansya," this ready-to-cook mix offers 4 grams of protein and 39 kilocalories of energy per 30-gram pack. One pack meets 18 percent of the recommended daily energy intake and 28.6 percent of the recommended protein intake for children aged six months to less than ten months. In Bulacan, the "Singkaban Festival," also known as the "mother of all festivals," is being celebrated province-wide. The term "singkaban" refers to a decorated bamboo arch used as a welcome signage. Under the theme "Culture of Integrity, Legacy of Unity," this year's weeklong festival brings together communities to celebrate culture, heritage, and unity. The opening ceremony on September 8 featured the "Parada ng Karosa" (Parade of Floats) and the launch of the "Singkaban ng Bayan: Bulacan Travel and Tourism Fair." Naga City, Camarines Sur, will host the "Tagboan 2026: Naga Creative Industries Festival" as part of the nationwide celebration of Philippine Creative Industries Month. The five-day festival at Balatas Development Complex will feature various exhibits, competitions, concerts, a food fair, a toy fair, and the launch of the theme song "Naga is the Heart." These festivals highlight the Philippines' rich history, culture, and efforts to address social issues.