by Grace Almedilla

Compostela Valley Province (5 March) -- March 3 is the first day of the weeklong celebration of the 3rd Bulawan Festival and the 12th Founding Anniversary of the province with the lengthy motorcade and the stunning Float Parade indicating the start of the big event.

Opened at the Capitol Freedom Stage, the occasion was graced with the presence of Makati mayor, Hon. Jejomar "Jojo" Binay and the provincial officials lead by Governor Arturo T. Uy, Vice Governor Ramil Gentugaya, Congressman Manuel E. Zamora of District I and Congressman Rommel C. Amatong of District II.

Governor Uy emphasized that the Bulawan Festival is the product of unity that is happening in the province between the leaders and the people. His message compliments with the statement of the Festival Action Officer, SP Member Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay who said that indeed the celebration is reaping the fruits of everybody's labor. The 12th Founding Anniversary, she added, stands for the 12 major and strong pillars of the province which are the 11 municipalities and 1 provincial government.

The day is also highlighted with the opening of the Agri-Trade & Tourism Fair, Tribal Village, and Ginto at Pilak Jewelry Bazaar. A mass dance showdown and simultaneous Larong Pinoy competitions decked the Barangayanihan. Another honored guest who attended is one of the country's famous actors Philip Salvador. On the other hand, the Techno Demo Updates held at the SP Session Hall presented the challenges and opportunities on cacao production, fish production (Pangasius), and goat herd.

The evening celebration is as shimmering as expected to be for in the LGU Night, each Local Government Unit (LGU) goes Broadway depicting the performances of the West Side Story, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, Arabian Nights, Cats, Moulin Rouge, Cabaret, Dreamgirls, High School Musical, and Chicago.