THE strawberry capital of the country is aiming for community-centered activities for the 37th Strawberry Festival in La Trinidad, Benguet.
The two-week celebration was launched on February 26 with the theme "La Trinidad's Strawberries Forever." Several activities have been lined up from March 9 to 27.
Municipal Tourism Officer Valred Olsim said since the festival started in 1981, the celebration was only formally institutionalized in 2011 with local officials approving a P4.2-million budget for this year’s festivity.
Prior to the institutionalization of the festival, the town has already earned recognition from the Guinness Book of World Record for the biggest strawberry shortcake.
Olsim said despite gaining attention from Guinness, the festival remains a community event.
The valley has also continued to establish the uniqueness of the festival with its traditional activities, including Dongba ni Kabajo, Duting tan Dukto, street dance, drum and lyre, float parade, Mr. and Ms. La Trinidad, art and mural competition, opening of strawberry lane and agro-fair.
“Tourism serve its purpose for economic development and the municipality’s growth is sustained. Unless the municipality expand its infrastructure and bolder to hold wider area, the festival stays for the community,” said Olsim.
Close to 20,000 tourist are expected to join this year’s celebration.