The Municipality of Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija is celebrating the town's sustained bountiful produce in its 6th annual harvest fest dubbed the Gulayan Festival in January 21 to 25, 2017.

A Gab-E float by communities in Gabaldon. Photo by Municipality of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija..jpgA Gab-E float by communities in Gabaldon. Photo by Municipality of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija

Started in 2012, the good harvest festival exhibits the rich cultural traditions and natural resources of Gabaldon. Locals showcase the native produce of the town through colorful parade floats creatively decorated with vegetables such as eggplants, tomatoes and onions, as well as fruits and handcrafted ornaments.

Gabaldon Central School during the 2016 Gulayan Fest. Photo by Municipality of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija

 In the previous years, some local and foreign tourists flocked the venue as street dancing parties, talent showcase, trade exhibits and band parades were held.   

 Gabaldon is an agricultural town with over 56% of its total land area devoted to farming purposes. Nueva Ecija is the largest province and the biggest rice producer in Central Luzon.

Gab-E makes an appearance during the 2016 Gabaldon Gulayan Festival. Photo by Municipality of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija

Besides the showcase of native crops, some participants also brought awareness advocacies related to the environment and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

 Environmental group Haribon Foundation joins the Gulayan Festival for the first time to bring to attention the importance of protecting the critically endangered Philippine Eagle in helping ensure a healthy biodiversity in Gabaldon and its vast fertile soil.  

 

Words by Kitty Amante | Haribon Foundation