CAMIGUIN (PIA)--Drums begin to roll again in Camiguin after a two-year hiatus due to pandemic as they open the 43rd Lanzones Festival with parade, music showdown, talent competition, fair trade, Lanzones 'Eat All You Can,' and more, October 23. 

Following a good COVID-19 vaccination turnout with over 50% rate on booster dose as of October 2022, the province opens its doors for more festive vibe and fun-filled activities for local and tourists. 

"Despite COVID, look at our province now, so many new businesses have opened, tourists and visitors are coming in droves. The DTI recognized us as the fifth Most Competitive Province in the country, ug halos duha ka bulan na ta wala'y kaso sa (and it's almost two months that we no longer have a case on) COVID and indeed today, we begin the festival with zero active COVID cases."

Together with the different national line agencies, local government units (LGUs), schools, private sector, and organizations, the province held the 'Grand Parade of the Bountiful Harvest of Lanzones' starting at Mambajao Central School to Cong. PPR Tourism and Sports Complex.

Candidates for Mutya sa Buahanan also graced the parade and flaunted their beauty and grace during the float competition where the Provincial Government Office bagged the first place. 

In highlighting the great role of bats in increasing Lanzones production, the provinces and some schools in the province danced their energy away in the Music and Kabog Showdown. The Local Government of Catarman was named as this year's winner for the Kabog Showdown and LGU Mahinog bagged the first place for the Music Showdown.

As to supporting local producers, this year's festival included the conduct of Ugmad where modern 'bahay kubo' or houses, with at least one Camiguin tourist spot facade, were built beside Cong. PPR Tourism and Sports Complex to pave the way for trade, leisure, and sightseeing. Together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), the provincial government opened the Ugmad site with a Lanzones feast for all. 

Further giving endless fun and entertainment to locals, 13 agencies and organizations filled the Ugmad site with an enchanting vibe in the Colors of Camiguin in Circus Opening Salvo. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) grooved their way to the first place with their breathtaking stunts followed by LGU Guinsiliban and the Provincial Government Office. 

Aside from the Street Dancing Competition that will take place, October 29, the provincial government also prepared different activities that children and families could enjoy. The festivity will run until October 30, 2022. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)