700 carabaos join Bulacan festival

PULILAN, Bulacan, Philippines – Owners of more than 700 carabaos were drawn to the  Kneeling Carabao Festival in this town yesterday.

The festival is being held to celebrate the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.  

Santos “Santy” Santos, Pulilan municipal tourism officer, said the carabaos did not only come from Pulilan, but also from neighboring towns in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Pampanga.

He said veterinarians, who were on standby during the parade, ensured that the carabaos did not cause trouble.

He said a carabao race, which used to be part of the festivity, was scrapped this year.

Noel Mauricio, municipal agriculture and fishery council chairman, said their patron saint never fail to provide them with bountiful harvest.

Mauricio cited the use of carrageenan plant growth regulator by 2,000 farmers that increased their rice produce by 20 to 30 percent.

A  musical variety show and street dancing competition will be held today as part of the festival.