By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino and Boots R. Gonzales A sea of festivalgoers joins the BayaNiJuan Festival, celebrating Tiaong’s culture and ...
 |
| A sea of festivalgoers joins the BayaNiJuan Festival, celebrating Tiaong’s culture and community spirit. (Quezon PIO) |
TIAONG, Quezon - More than a traditional town fiesta, the BayaNiJuan Festival became a weeklong showcase of Tiaong’s culture, faith and local enterprise as residents and visitors gathered for the municipality’s annual celebration in honor of St. John the Baptist. The celebration combined religious observances, tourism activities and community programs that highlighted local heritage while creating opportunities for businesses, farmers and entrepreneurs.
The festival opened with cultural performances and a solidarity dance before municipal officials unveiled the calendar of activities for the weeklong celebration. Residents, community organizations and local leaders joined the launch, reflecting the broad participation that has become a defining feature of the annual event.
Beyond its festive atmosphere, the BayaNiJuan Festival strengthened Tiaong’s position as one of Quezon Province’s cultural and tourism destinations. The municipality also used the celebration to encourage visitors to explore local attractions while supporting community exhibitors, farmers and small businesses.
The festival schedule blended religious observances with tourism, sports and livelihood activities to broaden public participation. Featured events included the Agritourism Trade Fair, Water Run, Zumba Marathon, Cookfest, boxing competitions, Barrio Fiesta, Binyagang Bayan and Kasalang Bayan.
Community-centered activities gave the celebration a broader purpose beyond entertainment. The Kasalang Bayan and Binyagang Bayan allowed qualified couples and families to celebrate important milestones while taking part in the municipality’s annual fiesta.
Municipal Councilor Ma. Maja Alexandra E. Landicho said the BayaNiJuan Festival continued to unite the community while showcasing what Tiaong has to offer visitors. She said the celebration demonstrated how local culture could help strengthen both tourism and the local economy.
“Sa kabila ng mga hamon sa ating ekonomiya, ipinagdiriwang pa rin natin ang BayaNiJuan Festival upang maipakita ang ating kultura, kasaysayan at ang tunay na diwa ng bayanihan. Ito ang pagkakataon nating ipagmalaki ang Tiaong sa ating mga kababayan at mga panauhin.”
Landicho also encouraged residents to play an active role in welcoming visitors throughout the celebration. She said supporting local businesses helps ensure that more families benefit from the economic activity generated by the festival.
“Sa pamamagitan ng festival, nabibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang ating mga negosyante at mamamayan na makinabang habang mas marami ring bisita at mamumuhunan ang naaakit na bumisita sa ating bayan. Patuloy tayong magtulungan upang maipakita ang isang masigla at maunlad na Tiaong.”
Mayor Vincent R.J. Mea thanked municipal employees, barangay officials, volunteers and partner organizations whose months of preparation made the celebration possible. He said the festival’s success reflected the cooperation of the local government and the wider community.
“Ang BayaNiJuan Festival ay bunga ng sama-samang paghahanda ng ating mga kawani, barangay, volunteers at buong pamahalaang bayan. Nais nating maging masaya at makabuluhan ang pagdiriwang para sa bawat Tiaongin at sa ating mga panauhin.”
The mayor also reminded residents that the town fiesta remains rooted in faith despite its many public activities. He encouraged families to honor St. John the Baptist through prayer while celebrating responsibly and peacefully.
“Habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang ating kapistahan, huwag nating kalimutan ang tunay na diwa nito at ang ating patron na si San Juan Bautista. Magdasal tayo, magsimba at sama-sama nating ipagdiwang ang ating piyesta nang ligtas, mapayapa at may pagkakaisa.”
No comments