ILOILO – The provincial government has allocated P8 million in financial assistance to enhance the performance of Maasin town’s Tultugan Festival at the upcoming Aliwan Fiesta.
The festival is set to participate from June 27 to 29, 2024, at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the substantial funds were released to support approximately 300 individuals involved in the festival, including dancers, drummers, prop handlers, trainers, and support staff.
The Tultugan Festival, a tribute to Maasin’s thriving bamboo industry, features the “tultugan”, a traditional bamboo percussion instrument used historically for communication and musical purposes.
The funds will cover expenses for a month-long practice session leading up to the contest and will also be used to improve the festival’s props and costumes.
“The new and unique props are a significant investment in our history, heritage, culture, and art. We believe it’s crucial to also invest in tourism, which is why we’re supporting this endeavor so robustly,” Defensor said when asked about the substantial support extended to the local government unit of Maasin.
Aliwan Fiesta, a grand cultural showcase held annually in Metro Manila, features competitive performances from various festivals across the Philippines, aiming to promote Filipino heritage and tourism through vibrant displays of local traditions and artistic expressions.
On Wednesday night, Defensor, along with Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and other department heads, attended a send-off ceremony in Maasin, where they witnessed a preview performance by Tribu Tultugan.
Impressed by their performance level, Defensor praised the group for setting a new standard in the Kasadyahan Festival in January this year.
Defensor plans to personally attend the Aliwan Fiesta in Metro Manila next week to support and observe the Tultugan Festival’s performances.
This is the second time Maasin will participate in the Aliwan Fiesta as the Kasadyahan champion./PN
