LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The big float of the Ilocos Norte United Muslim Association (INUMA) emerged first place during the Pamulinawen grand parade on Feb. 9, here.

The parade is one of the highlights of the monthlong celebration of the City of Laoag for the Pamulinawen Festival.

With more than two years of hiatus due to the pandemic, residents and tourists were all eager to watch the comeback of face-to-face festivities and activities such as the grand parade.

This year, it featured 15 small and 18 big floats from participating government offices and agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, schools, and business establishments.

These floats paraded along the main streets of Laoag City, flaunting the ingenuity and inventiveness in presenting the unique identity of the contestants.

“I would like to commend the creativity, artistry, craftsmanship, and worksmanship for all those behind the magnificent floats, both in the small float and big float categories. Truly, not only were our cultural heritage and tradition showcased and highlighted in the different floats but also the talents and skills of the Ilokanos, especially Laoagueños,” said City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon.

For the small float category, the Municipality of Solsona won first place and received a cash prize of Php40,000. The Mariano Marcos State University and Cecilia landed second place and third place with Php25,000 and Php15,000 cash prize, respectively.

Meanwhile for the big float, INUMA was followed by the Divine Word College of Laoag won second place with Php50,000 cash prize and another float of Cecilia won third place with Php30,000 cash prize. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)