Isabela, the country’s biggest corn hub, produced 1.26 million metric tons (MT) of corn in 2011, a sizable 20 percent of Philippines’ total corn output, so the municipality and the people of Echague merrily celebrated their corn festival which is the Bacao, Isabela’s pride.
Bacao Festival is celebrated in Echague, Isabela Province, to honor St. Joseph, known as the patron saint of workers. Bacao or corn is the major crop in the town.
Date of the Festival
The festival is celebrated annually during the third week of March. This event was created as an honor to the town of Echague and as a way to give thanks for their fruitful harvest. The month of March is the season of harvesting corn.
History
The term "Bacao" came from the Yogad people, meaning corn. This festival started in 2003.
Aside from boosting Isabela's economy through tourism, Bacao Festival wants to help the younger generation appreciate the Filipino culture's old traditions, like Bayanihan. It is also held to give awareness to the world that the Yogad people still exist.
Activities
- Motocross racing
- Street dancing
- Float competition
- Drum and lyre competition
- Competition for the best-dressed carabaos
- Rodeo competion/exibition
- Mutya ng Echague