Niyogyugan Festival continues to aid farmers, boost tourism

By Nimfa L. Estrellado A decorated float and Agri-Tourism booths showcase the rich products and culture of a Quezon municipality during the ...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado





A decorated float and Agri-Tourism booths showcase the rich products and culture of a Quezon municipality during the Niyogyugan Festival, an event aimed at boosting local tourism and aiding farmers. (Quezon Provincial Tourism Office)



LUCENA CITY, Quezon – A new foundation promising support for beloved coconut farmers was just one of many highlights as the Niyogyugan Festival officially began today, August 12, with vibrant street dancing and a grand opening ceremony. The week-long celebration, running until August 19, is a testament to the community’s resilience and creativity, dedicated to showcasing Quezon Province's thriving coconut industry and rich cultural heritage.

During the opening ceremony, Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" D.L. Tan and Vice Governor Third Alcala officially announced the establishment of the Niyogyugan Foundation. The foundation is a key project financed by a portion of sales from the Agri-Tourism Booths, providing scholarships for the children of coconut farmers and offering much-needed agricultural assistance.



The Niyogyugan Foundation is designed to be a sustainable support system for the province's agricultural backbone. In addition to providing educational scholarships, it will offer grants for purchasing modern farming equipment, seedlings, and fertilizers to increase the productivity and profitability of coconut farms across the province, ensuring a more stable future for the farmers and their families.

Governor Tan elaborated on the foundation's purpose, stating it was a long-term initiative to provide direct and lasting support to the province's primary source of income—the coconut farmers. She explained that she launched the Niyogyugan Foundation after observing that many farming families were struggling to send their children to school.

The foundation's scholarships are specifically for college students and are intended for families who cannot otherwise afford to send their children to higher education. To ensure the program's sustainability, five percent of all sales from the Agri-Tourism Booths will be allocated to the foundation, and the provincial government plans to organize additional fundraising activities.

"Our role is to provide direct help to our partners, this foundation is our promise to our beloved coconut farmers, the backbone of our economy and the heart of this festival," said Governor Tan. "It is a long-term investment in their livelihood and the province's future, ensuring that their hard work is not only recognized but also supported for years to come."

The Agri-Tourism Booths, a centerpiece of the festival, were a major focus of the Governor's address, showcasing the diverse products and culture of each participating municipality. She highlighted how these vibrant exhibits directly connect the hard work of the farmers to the wider community and contribute to the funding of the new foundation through their sales.

"My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the municipalities and local officials who have come together and put in their best efforts to make this year's festival a resounding success," said Governor Tan. "Their enthusiastic participation and vibrant, colorful exhibits are a true sign of the strong unity and rich culture of Quezon Province."

Now famously known as the "mother of all festivals," its name is a lively fusion of the words niyog (coconut) and yugyog (to shake or dance), perfectly capturing the energetic street dancing and festive spirit of the event. The festival has brought together all 41 of the province's towns and cities to showcase their shared heritage and the coconut industry since it was first introduced in 2012.

Following a two-day Teacher's Convention that provided training for educators on new educational approaches, the festivities were in full swing today, officially kicking off the week-long celebration. The official opening ceremony drew a vibrant crowd to the Capitol Compound, where colorful Agri-Tourism booths, a trade fair, and other exciting attractions were unveiled with music and lively performances.

The Coco Summit at the Quezon Convention Center was a key event of the day, an important forum for farmers and industry partners to discuss issues and opportunities facing the province's key industry. Following this, the elimination round for the "Habhaban sa Niyogyugan" competition, a traditional eating contest, provided a lively afternoon before the "Gabi ng Kulturang Quezonian" showcase of local talent and tradition.

The full calendar of upcoming activities kicks off with the celebration of Quezon Province Independence Day on Wednesday, August 13. The day will also feature the Cocolympics, a platform for youth empowerment and sportsmanship, and the Lambanog Mixology Contest, which showcases the many uses of the region's famous coconut-based spirit.

The festival's focus on community well-being is evident on Thursday, August 14, with "Kalusugan sa Niyogyugan" offering free health services, alongside a Coco Zumba Dance Contest and "Niyogyugan Boxing at the Park." Art and performance will be highlighted on Friday, August 15, with an On the Spot Painting Contest and the Oration, Declamation, and Madulang Sabayang Pagbigkas Competition.

The weekend brings more highlights, with the Teacher's Convention continuing on August 16 and 17, and the Grand Tagayan Music Festival celebrating Quezon's unique culture of unity and camaraderie. On Sunday, the festivities will continue with the "Balse ng Tagayan," a lively dance contest that showcases the cherished traditional ritual.

The final two days of the festival pay tribute to former President Manuel L. Quezon on Monday, August 18, a lecture series and quiz bee honor his legacy. The festival culminates on Tuesday, August 19, his 147th birth anniversary, with a mass and a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a Grand Parade and Float Competition showcasing the history, culture, and products of each municipality.

The Niyogyugan Festival will draw to a close with the "Sayaw sa Niyog" dance showdown, a spectacular finale where participants from across the province will perform vibrant, interpretative dances celebrating the coconut's role in their culture and history. This culminating event, known as the "Dance of the Coconut," is a perfect ending to a week dedicated to honoring the region's lifeblood and main source of livelihood.