From a small agri-tourism exposition in 2011, the Niyugniyogan Festival has become a grand festivity that paid tribute to coconut farmers and to the heroism of Quezon’s favorite son the late President Manuel Quezon.

A catchy theme song was created to draw guests and residents to join the annual celebration of the former President’s life and legacy and the artistic talents of the people of Quezon.

Niyugniyogan Festival was a three-in-one celebration that included an agri-tourism expo, a showcase of local talent, and a commemoration Quezon’s birth anniversary, which is celebrated every August 19.

Governor Angelina Tan said that the Niyugniyogan Festival has taken on a new meaning after the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said the festival has evolved from a simple celebration of coconuts as an agricultural commodity to a tribute to Quezon residents who have remained strong in the face of challenges and calamities.

Tan said: "As time passed by, we have witnessed the changes in our province. Behind those changes are our cooperation and unity. Like what our province has been through, we stand tall, strong, and we are still here despite any storms that come our way."

"Let's have a great time at Niyugniyogan!"

To ensure the festival’s success, the Provincial Tourism Office organized various activities that showcased local products, talented individuals, and stunning sites, including the Old Photo and Art Exhibit, Coco Summit, Cocolympics, Ginoo at Binibining Niyugniyogan, Motorourism, Gabi ng Kulturang Quezonian and Coco Zumba.

The ten-day festival featured the famous “tagayan,” where guests sang and drank lambanog (native liquor) under a gazebo inspired by coconuts at the Provincial Capitol compound.

With the creativity and talent of Quezonians at the core of its celebration, what better way to showcase this than through a fashion show that benefits coconut farmers?

That's exactly what the provincial government did with the Niyogniyugan Gala Night Benefit Fashion Show, featuring masterpieces from local designers Buddy Reyes, Deejay Abustan, Maricris Dela Peña, and Bea Roxas Rogas. Local models and the top 10 finalists of the Ginoo at Binibining Niyogniyugan 2023 walked the runway to support the Niyogniyugan Foundation.

In addition to attracting tourists, the festival also catered to students and educators, allowing them to delve into the rich history of their province through contests and lectures on the life and legacy of President Quezon.

"In the coming years, I believe that we can achieve whatever our beloved President Manuel Luis Quezon dreams of, through our cooperation," Tan said.

Heralded as one of the most significant festivals in Quezon Province, the festival generated a total of 930,892 visitors from Calabarzon and Metro Manila.

In a statement, Provincial Tourism Officer Nesler Almagro said that the province recorded an average of 84,627 daily visitors between August 9 to 19.

During the opening ceremony, which included the Ginoo and Binibining Niyugniyogan 2023, festival wear competition, and Gabi ng Kulturang Quezonian, a total of 96,530 visitors attended.

"Most of these visitors were recorded on the last day of the celebration on August 19. This increase may be attributed to the recurrence of the grand parade, which featured floats and street dancing," said Almagro.

From stage to screen: the DOT invitational tour

The Department of Tourism (DOT), through its CALABARZON Regional Office, is taking the lead in bringing people closer to the festivals in different parts of the region.

In August, the DOT CALABARZON launched its Invitational Tour, with the 2023 Niyogniyugan Festival as its centerpiece.

In collaboration with the Provincial Tourism Office, DOT CALABARZON enlisted the help of some of the country's best content creators, media outlets, and government media agencies to produce tourism-centered content that promoted the festival’s return.

"I am delighted that we gathered together after the pandemic to celebrate once again our Niyogniyugan Festival and at the same time, our Quezon Day. To all of you, I congratulate you. We need to invigorate and make Quezon Province the number one destination," said DOT CALABARZON Director Maritess Castro during the festival's opening ceremony.

In an interview, Castro mentioned that the province has numerous attractions that will elevate Quezon as a premier tourism destination.

"Quezon province has already achieved a lot and has a long way to go when it comes to tourism. Here, we have adventure, nature, and gastronomy tourism. In gastronomy tourism alone, it is already delightful, and you will be satisified," she added. (PB-PIA Calabarzon)