THE Eastern Samar Provincial Government has launched anew the “Kura-cha Mardi Gras” slated on April 27.

Governor Marcelo Ferdinand Picardal led the official launching at the campsite-themed Hilangagan Beach in Punta Maria, Borongan City on March 25.

Provincial Tourism Officer Franklin Robedizo said the “Kura-cha Mardi Gras” is one way of showcasing the province’s “cultural heritage.”

Kura-cha is a traditional courtship dance famous in the province.

Robedizo said this is the second year that Eastern Samar organized the event as a tourist attraction.

Last year, at least 16 towns in the province joined in a two-hour non-stop Kura-cha dance to the delight of the visitors and local residents.

Robedizo said the Provincial Government is prioritizing tourism under “Proyekto 25” to “uplift Eastern Samar from poverty.”

He said they are developing various tour programs to push the tourism advantage of Eastern Samar.

The new tour programs include the Balangiga Historical Tour, Tubabao Island Dobrota Tor, and the bid for Samar Island Natural Park to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) world heritage site and biosphere reserve. (SunStar Philippines)