Bambanti Festival 2026 Begins: Isabela Honors Agriculture & Culture

DAGUPAN CITY – Vice Gov. Kiko Dy led the opening of the Bambanti Festival 2026 on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Isabela Provincial Capitol Compound in the City of Ilagan, marking the start of the province’s annual celebration honoring agriculture, culture, and tourism. Dy said the week-long festival pays tribute to Isabela’s farmers and gives thanks for the blessings received by the province. He said that the provincial government, under the leadership of Gov. Rodito Albano, remains committed to strengthening agriculture and supporting local communities. The Bambanti Festival launched in 1997 is Isabela’s flagship cultural event held every January to celebrate the province’s agricultural abundance. The term bambanti, or scarecrow, symbolizes the hard work and resilience of Isabelino farmers who protect and nurture their crops. Dy, director general of the festival, thanked national government partners and guests, including Department of Tourism Regional Director Troy Alexander Miano and Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Maria Sofia Narag, for supporting the event. He acknowledged local officials from 34 municipalities and three cities, along with provincial department heads and festival committees, for their roles in organizing the celebration. The opening featured ecotourism exhibits, locally produced farm goods, merchandise, and giant scarecrow displays at the Bambanti Village.