Indigenous peoples festival in Capiz

ILOILO CITY– More than 400 members from 100 ethno-linguistic groups in the country are attending the Dayaw: Philippine International Indigenous Peoples Festival in Roxas City, Capiz.

The festival, which opened last Monday, will last until today, Wednesday.

Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Officer Al Tesoro said Dayaw coincides with the commemoration of National Indigenous Peoples Month.

The festival has several components including traditional song and dance performances. There are also exhibits for weaving methods, basketry, culinary expertise, traditional healing practices, and oral literature.

A conference with academic and cultural experts will discuss best practices in safeguarding and revitalizing cultural heritage.

Dayaw also features a community outreach program, where there are cross-cultural sharing activities in six towns of Panay Island.

Dayaw is also the venue for the launching of Ang Kultura App, the country’s first mobile app for tourism and heritage powered by InnoPub Media and Smart Communications.

Tesoro, a commissioner for Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), said it is the second time Capiz is sponsoring the festival. It first did so in 2009.

Capiz Governor Antonio del Rosario welcomed the participants to the province.