A Thanksgiving Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral at 5:30 AM will kick off the provincial government’s celebration of the 9th Abaca Festival on May 26-30, 2025.
This will be followed by the Parada ABACA from Plaza Rizal to the Capitol grounds where the opening ceremonies will be presided over by Governor Joseph Cua.
Also set on May 26 is the ribbon cutting and opening receptions for the following events: 4th Arte Isla ABACA: Hibla ng Sining at Kultura at the lobby; Tiendas sa Isla Agri, Trade and Tourism Fair at the grounds; Happy Island Tourism Booth Competition at the grounds; and the day-long Trabaho para sa Catandungano job fair at the Virac Sports Center.
Already, several pre-festival activities have been launched or will be opening this week: the ABACAbataan Advocacy Music Video Making Competition last May 12; ABACANOBASYON YEAR 3: Transforming Impacts Into New Directions and Opportunities for Growth (TINDOG) of ABACA in San Miguel on May 21; Sari Suki Negosyo Convention at Virac Town Center on May 24; the Misters of Catanduanes Fashion for a Cause, Iconic Fashion Show, Preliminary Competition and Grand Coronation Night at Virac Sports Complez on May 23-25; and ABACA Ultramarathon covering Virac-Bato-San Andres-Virac route on May 24.
On May 27 at the Capitol grounds, nine abaca farmers associations from seven towns will receive mobile abaca spindle stripping machines from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA): Catanduanes Abaca Producers & Processing Association of Bagong Sirang, Baras; Danicop Abaca Farmers Association of Danicop, Virac; San Vicente Abaca & Vegetable Farmers Association of San Andres; Camburo Farmers Association of Caramoran; Buenavista Farmers Association of Caramoran; SLP Porot Capit Bisig Farmers Association of Pandan; SLP Panuto Farmers Association of Panuto; Bote Farmers Association of Bato; and Pangilao Abaca & Coconut Farmers Association of San Miguel
On May 28 will be the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month Celebration’s Culminating Activity as well as the Annual Search for Outstanding ABACA Farm Family at the Capitol Dome and the ABACA Baile comprising the Festival of Festivals/Street Dance Competition and Festival Queen Competition from the Capitol grounds to Plaza Rizal at 3 PM.
Competing in the LGU category of the street dance are Viga, Bato and San Andres while two are entered in the Open category: LGBT Virac Bahaghari Festival and Binuwagan Dancers.
In the evening of the same day would be the VTC Summer Color Music Fest at 7 PM.
On May 29 at 3 PM, seven contingents will perform from the Capitol grounds to Plaza Rizal for the Drum and Lyre Competition: Bagamanoc Rural Development High School, Caramoran School of Fisheries, Caramoran RDHS, Calatagan High School, Viga RDHS, San Andres Vocational High School, and Cabugao Integrated School.
A Fellowship Night would be held at the Capitol grounds on May 30, with the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) holding their 18th Luzon Summit on May 29-June 1.
The summit includes a Basic Mountaineering Course, Basecamping, Happy Island 360, and Hike to Mt. Pacogon, Mt. Lantad, Mt. Sadab and Binurong Point.
Also occurring on May 31 is the Mr. and Ms. VTC Coronation Night at Virac Town Center.