Jan. 30 non-working holiday in Isabela

ILAGAN CITY, Philippines – It’s a non-working holiday throughout Isabela on Jan. 30, the highlight of its four-day Bambanti festival, which kicked off yesterday with the unveiling of a statue of Queen Isabella II after whom the province was named. 

Gov. Faustino Dy III said the annual festivity, with this year’s theme “Magic of Isabela,” pays tribute to the Isabelino farmers’ diligence and resiliency, qualities that has made Isabela the country’s leading agricultural province. 

Dy signed Executive Order 2013-01 declaring Jan. 30 a non-working day for residents of the province’s 34 towns and three cities to take part in the various Bambanti activities. 

“Bambanti” is an Iluko term for scarecrow, which farmers use to scare birds away from their crops.  – Charlie Lagasca, Raymund Catindig