LINAMON, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Vendors here are elated with the return of the celebration of the Hudyaka sa Lubi Festival and 63rd Araw ng Linamon (founding anniversary), as it helped them earn income with their street foods.

Jessel Mae Ladion sells ice cream together with his partner during weekends and holidays, as they are still studying. They saw the return of the festival as an opportunity to profit, as their small businesses were affected by the pandemic. They earn P1,200 during a normal day.

"Malipayon kaayo mi kay as vendors, naa'y kalingawan, daghan mga tawo, dako mi'g halin so nabalik among income," she explained.

(We are very happy because as vendors, with this activity, there are many people, so we had the opportunity to earn more, our income is back, unlike during the onset of the pandemic, when our livelihood has been challenging)

Meanwhile, Giovanni Darog sells mineral water and street foods and earns P3,000 a day. With the festival, he is optimistic that he will sell more.

"Happy kaayo ko kay nibalik ang bibo sa Linamon. Tungod ani nga gipahigayon nga festival, naa pod mi'y halin," he said.

(I am very happy because the joyfulness is back in Linamon. Because of this festival, we also have sales for our products.)

The Hudyaka sa Lubi Festival is celebrated every 23rd of January, which also coincides with the celebration of the town's founding anniversary, to highlight Linamon's thriving coconut industry with various competitions and activities. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)