CANDABA – Mayor Jerry Pelayo and members of the Municipal Council vowed to institutionalize the annual "Ibon Ebon" festival as part of the intensification of the eco-tourism effort of the local government.
Pelayo said the institutionalization festival is aimed at preserving its importance and to enhance its potential as a center of tourism.
He said the town’s food production including duck eggs is continuously growing. With this, Pelayo said the town has all the reasons to support its continuous celebration.
He said he would maintain a special committee who will be responsible in the preparation of the celebration and the continuous appropriation of funds and solicitation from various donors and participating sectors to ensure its success.
According to some residents here, the local government in coordination with the concerned government agencies should also look into the possibility of including the celebration of Ibon Ebon Festival and culture in the lessons being taught to elementary and high school students in this town.
Pelayo disclosed that his last term as the local chief executive will focus on the promotion of eco-tourism and food production.
Ibon –Ebon Festival is officially recognized as a national Philippine festival after it has been "successfully" celebrated for three consecutive years.
With this, the Ibon-Ebon Festival youth dancers and drummers and even business groups are also rejoicing as they foresee economic gains from it.
Pelayo, likewise, wishes to share the festival with the various municipalities with a message of giving balance between the needs of the people and those of the environment.