LA PAZ, Abra (PIA) -- Abra’s loom weaving town upholds its local weaving industry, agriculture, and good governance as drivers for continuous development during the staging of the 2024 Abel Festival.

Loom woven textiles locally known as Abel, and agricultural products took center stage during the festival dance competition and float parade that highlighted the four-day celebration with the theme,“Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal.”

Performers donned colorful Abel-inspired attires during the One Barangay, One Product festival dance competition and float parade that featured the products of the different communities in the municipality such as Abel, fish, rice, corn, and bamboo crafts, among others.

Aside from promoting local agricultural products, the municipality is also pushing for the preservation of culture and creative expression of traditional loom weaving by adapting to the changes of modern times.

League of Municipalities of the Philippines national president and La Paz mayor JB Bernos thanked La Pazeños and all stakeholders for their continuous support to government activities, programs, and initiatives to recover from disasters and push for improvement of communities.

“After the earthquake, after the typhoon, ken amin-amin nga didigra, adatoy tayo manen nga mangiselselebrar iti panagpiyesta. Agyamanak, kakailyan, we have come a long way. Tarabayan dakami latta ta ited mi kadakayo ti umno nga serbisyo, ited mi kadakayo ti umno nga panagprogreso, panagbalangkas iti panagbiag ti probinsia ti Abra,” he said.

During the Barangay Night, Congresswoman Menchie Bernos also shared ongoing and upcoming government projects that will enable progress for the town’s local industries including the different municipalities of the province. These projects include education facilities, health centers, bridges, markets, and other economic infrastructure, and social assistance to help alleviate the life of Abrenians.

“Aramiden mi ti kabaelan mi nga idanon ti husto nga progreso ditoy probinsya tayo haan para padagsinen ti biag ti Abreño no diket palaganin tayo ti panabiag da amin,” she said.

Other activities of  the  2024 Abel Festival  were  the Teachers’ Night, Bingo Bonanza,Variety Show, and Miss Gay La Paz 2024. Local businesses were also given an avenue to sell their products during the festival.