Cagayan’s island town puts up own festival to draw more tourists

In an effort to boost its own tourism industry and be able to make it a major income-generating one, this island-town will hold its first-ever month-long Tatus (coconut crab) festival in May this year.

Mayor Joseph M. Llopis said the local government unit here, with the support of the provincial government of Cagayan, the province’s three congressmen and the private sector, anticipate that the festival will be the turning point that will spur the town’s becoming a tourism destination.

Llopis admitted that while its newly discovered Sibang Cove which won an award last year as an emerging tourist destination given its white sand beach, pristine water suitable for tourism sports activities including wind surging and diving, and other features, such did not boost local tourism.

The island-town which is only a two-hour boat ride from Aparri town in mainland Cagayan is rich in natural attractions like excellent beaches, archeological sites, endemic flora and fauna, virgin forest, crystal clear blue waters, plus the hospitable and gentle people with colorful history.

“With the Tatus Festival soon, we hope to further promote our attractions to local and foreign tourists and be able to show of what we have and can offer,” Llopis said.

The festival will focus on the endemic crab which abound in this island-town. There will be a parade of delicacies made of the crab, and some antics these crabs will show to visitors, he said.

It is expected that the festival will be able to lure more tourists as it will highlight on the historical and cultural legacy of the inhabitants, the mayor said.

“Of course, we anticipate that through, the festival we will create a culture of tourism among the local residents, and eventually, we can fast-track tourism development in the area,”he said.

It is expected that the festival will be able to lure more tourists as it will highlight on the historical and cultural legacy of the inhabitants, the mayor said.

“Of course, we anticipate that through the festival, we will create a culture of tourism among the local residents, and eventually, we can fast-track tourism development in the area,” he said.

The festivities which will be held at the Sibang Cove and at the town’s poblacion will feature: a Bikini Open, aquathlon of run-walk-swim cum beach volleyball, trade fair of local products, Calayan Rail (indigenous bird) photo contest, wilds hunting contest, bonfire, boat rowing game fishing, seminar on the production of package tours, essay writing contest and others.

Llopis said the LGU has already started preparing its local residents in handling the various activities to be conducted.

“They should benefit most from the tourism activities so that they will be encouraged to work for the advancement of the industry and promote the same,” he said.