Ibabao Festival

08/05/2026

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐈𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐨 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!

This year’s Ibabao Festival is opening with the Summer Saya sa Ibabao 2026, a 3-day event packed with fun, entertainment and exciting activities, our way of celebrating the 61st Founding Anniversary of Northern Samar.

Join us from May 22-24, 2026 at Dalakit Boulevard, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar for an exciting and unforgettable Summer Saya sa Ibabao 2026!

Check out for exciting activities that await you!

Video: Summer Saya 2025

06/05/2026

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗼 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

We proudly present the Grand Winner of the Ibabao Festival 2026 Logo Making Contest, DEXTER L. JARITO of Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar, a design that rose above 96 remarkable entries and ultimately captured the heart of the celebration. With a concept that embodies the spirit of Ibabao, this winning piece now stands as the official logo of the Ibabao Festival 2026, carrying the identity of the festival into every banner, stage, and story it will touch. For this outstanding achievement, he will receive a ₱15,000 cash prize.

At the same time, the voice of the people was heard through every heart reaction. We present the People’s Choice Award Winner, JOHN BERT M. TEBERIO of Catarman, Northern Samar, whose design earned around 2,600 heart reactions as of May 6, 12 noon, and stood out as a clear favorite of the community. In recognition of this achievement, he will receive an ₱8,000 cash prize.

The Top Eight (8) Non-winning Finalists will each receive a ₱3,000 consolation prize in recognition of their creativity and contribution:
1. Cullen B. Danao-Catarman (Entry No. 1)
2. Jeremy Gologabin- Laoang (Entry No. 2)
3. John Bert M. Teberio- Catarman (Entry No. 3)
4. John Eduard C. Abanes- Catarman (Entry No. 4)
5. Julleine R. Espiña- Catarman (Entry No. 6)
6. Mark Alcera- Catarman (Entry No. 7)
7. Juliana Marie Cardeño- Catubig (Entry No. 8 )
8. Joseph Harold Tingzon- Catarman (Entry No. 9)

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the panel of judges for this event:
• Board Member Emil Nicholas B. Ongchuan II
• Atty. Adah Gwynne Tobes – PGDH, PLO
• Ms. Rose Anne G. Suan – PGDH, NSPESO
• Mr. Michael H. Lucman – PGDH, PIAO
• Mr. Carl Jamie Simple Bordeos – Senior Administrative Assistant III, PPDO

For inquiries regarding the claiming of the prize, kindly contact the following:
Cristene Pastorfide - 09202709011
Jonathan Marino - 09072049705

Congratulations to all the winners of the Ibabao Festival 2026 Logo Making Contest for your creativity, talent, and meaningful contribution to the celebration!

06/05/2026

𝐈𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐨 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫'𝐬 𝟔𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞

Witness the local cultural scene come alive as the Ibabao Festival 2026 kicks off soon.

A festive and colorful celebration in Northern Samar, the Ibabao Festival honors the Nortehanon community, unified by a distinct cultural identity, bound by a common heritage and driven by common hopes and aspirations.

The Province of Northern Samar located at the upper rim of the Philippines' third-largest mass, Samar Island, is formerly known as "Ibabao", a term during pre-Hispanic times used to separate Samar island's northeastern region from the western coast. With the vastness of Samar island and its steep topography which made travel between the northeast to the western part difficult especially in the olden times, this separation was certainly held significant.

The ''Ibabaos'', according to the historical account of Fr. Francisco Ignacio Alcina, S.J., a Jesuit priest who wrote the book La Historia de las Indios de Bisayas, were viewed as valiant, and feared in their "antiquity".

On June 19, 1965, the North of Samar Island was officially made an independent province through Republic Act No. 4221 which provided for the division of Samar Island into three provinces. The enactment of the law creating the Province of Northern Samar is a significant event for the Norte Samarnons as it fulfills the desire of the brave Ibabaonons to have a separate local government of its own.

This year, as Northern Samar commemorates its 61st founding anniversary, we look back with pride at its early beginnings as the land of the Ibabao and celebrate nature's gifts of splendid natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, a resilient, hopeful and united community.

Through the Ibabao Festival, we hope to foster cultural awareness and engender deeper appreciation of the cultural history and development of the Norte Samarnons, instilling pride and integrity, understanding and unity among the present and future generations.

Watch as the Ibabao Festival 2026 unfolds through a series of meaningful events, celebrating with pride our own identity as ''Ibabaonons''.

References:
📜 Northern Samar: Our Home by Mio Gálit Dela Cruz
📜 Vission, Mission, and Goals of Ibabao Festival

05/05/2026

𝗜𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗼 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Honoring Northern Samar's heritage and culture, celebrating our milestones!

Soon!

04/05/2026

From 96 creative entries for the 𝗜𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗼 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁, only nine have risen to the top.

We are pleased to present the Top Nine (9) Finalists of the Logo Making Contest 2026. Each design tells a story, reflects identity, and showcases the incredible talent of our participants.

For the People’s Choice Award, voting starts now. Show your support by reacting to your favorite entry. Please note that only heart reactions will be counted as votes. The finalist with the highest number of heart reactions will be declared the winner.

VOTING DEADLINE
• May 6, 2026 (12:00 noon)

Cast your vote and support your chosen design.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for the announcement of the Winning Logo and the People’s Choice Award for the Ibabao Festival 2026 on May 6, 2026.

28/04/2026

Eyes here, Nortehanons!

From stories whispered by the sea to poems shaped by survival, the 4th Ibabao Writers’ Workshop now opens its doors to voices from the north.

With the theme “Pagkamapanumbalikon: Pagiging Marig-on sa Butnga san Kataragman”
(Rolando Borrinaga, 2013), we call on Nortehanon writers to write back—to remember, to resist, and to rise through words.

All interested Nortehanon writers are invited to submit one original work, written in Ninorte Samarnon, Inabaknon, Cebuano, Filipino (Tagalog), or English, in any of the following forms:
1. A Suite of Three (3) Poems
2. Short Fiction (1,500–5,000 words)
3. Creative Nonfiction
4. One-Act Play
5. Screenplay for a Short Film (not more than 60 pages)

Works written in Inabaknon or Cebuano must include a Filipino or English translation.

𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭
• Line spacing: 1.5
• Font size: 12
• Font style: Book Antiqua or Palatino

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: May 20, 2026
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦:
https://forms.gle/TC2Y3sLfkd3aHyoo9

Write your truths.
Honor your roots.
Let Ibabao hear your voice.

24/04/2026

21/04/2026

Northern Samar, something big is taking shape, and this time it begins with your creativity!

The call is open for the Ibabao Festival 2026 Logo Making Contest, inviting every creative Nortehanon mind to take part in defining a visual identity that will carry the spirit of this milestone year. More than a simple design, this is your chance to turn our shared story into a mark that speaks, of who we are and where we are headed.

Anchored on the theme “Soaring Higher at 61: Cultivating Heritage, Empowering Progress,” we invite you to craft a design that echoes our roots, reflects our strength, and looks ahead with purpose. From coastlines to culture, from resilience to rising aspirations, let your concept speak for Northern Samar.

Each participant may submit one (1) entry only, so make every line, color, and symbol count. Exciting cash prizes await, including ₱15,000 for the Grand Winner and ₱8,000 for the People’s Choice Award.

Access the Guidelines and Mechanics here:
https://bit.ly/IbabaoLogoMechanics

Submit your official entry through this link:
https://bit.ly/IbabaoFestival2026Logo

For inquiries, please contact:
Cristene B. Pastorfide – 0920 270 9011

If you have a concept that carries both heritage and hope, this is the moment to bring it to life!

Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026 | 11:59 PM
Announcement of Top 9 Finalists: May 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM
Announcement of Winners: May 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM

20/06/2025

𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐!

As the Ibabao Festival 2025 closes, Governor Edwin Ongchuan, together with the Ibabao Festival Executive Committee chaired by Vice Governor Clarence Dato, Board Members and the entire Provincial Government of Northern Samar, extends our immense gratitude - first to the stewards of all the local government units of Northern Samar, the municipal mayors and their respective teams: PGNS office heads and personnel, provincial directors and chiefs of national government agencies in the province, along with their staff; non-government organizations and private sector groups, fellow Ibabaonons within and outside Northern Samar, our competition judges, guests and everyone who took to heart the Ibabao Festival 2025 and have been a part in this joyous celebration of Northern Samar's pride - its rich past, culture, heritage and community spirit.

With your great support, the Ibabao Festival 2025 has been a fitting tribute to the province on its 60th year.

Together, let us keep the torch burning for a marig-on, mainuswagon ngan malipayon nga Northern Samar!

Hanggang sa muli, Ibabao!

18/06/2025

Happy 60th Founding Anniversary Northern Samar!

Today, June 19, 2025, our beloved province of Northern Samar marks its 60th Founding Anniversary as a separate Province from Samar (Western) and Eastern Samar.

Known as Ibabao in the olden times, we celebrate our diamond year with the theme Northern Samar at 60: Strength in Unity Toward a Legacy of Resilience and Progress.

Padayon an kauswagan Northern Samar!

From Gov Edwin Ongchuan, Vice Governor Clarence Dato, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members and the Provincial Government if Northern Samar

17/06/2025

Ibabao Got Talent (Inter-Agency) Competition

IBABAO GOT TALENT INTER-AGENCY COMPETITIONJune 17, 2025