REPRESENTATIVES from the towns of Lingayen, Mangaldan and Manaoag were crowned the best in their cultural stage presentations during the grand finals of the 1^st Pangasinan Culture and Arts Festival held at the Sison Auditorium on December 2.

The festival, dubbed “Balitok A Tawir” – Pangasinan for “priceless heritage”- was participated in by public officials and employees from 14 local government units (LGUs).

The project, conceptualized by Governor Amado Espino Jr., aims to help revive and preserve the province’s cultural treasures, including traditional songs, dances and stage plays known as zarzuelas.

The governor said the provincial government is committed to make Pangasinenses, especially the youth, learn about their roots and create a sense of belonging and identity.

The festival is also part of the tourism promotion program and the “I Love Pangasinan” campaign of the provincial government.

“Hopefully, this activity will be institutionalized and become an annual event of the province,” said Marife Acerit, special events coordinator.

The winners in the 2nd and 3rd slots are: Manaoag and Bautista for choral category; Malasiqui and Lingayen for folk dance; and Mabini in the zarzuela category.

The grand finals culminated with the ceremonial lighting of the 45-foot Christmas Tree at the Capitol Plaza, signaling the start of the yuletide celebration in the province.

Winners will receive their prizes during the LGU Night Christmas Celebration on December 16. (PIO)

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