QUIRINO province marks another milestone as it celebrates the 25th Panagdadapun Festival, one of Cagayan Valley's sought-after festivities because of its color, diversity and cultural significance. Literally meaning "gathering" or "convergence," the festival was introduced in 1999 to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Quirino. The festivities coincide with the provincial founding anniversary when it was carved out from Nueva Vizcaya on Sept. 10, 1971. With the Covid-19 pandemic, Panagdadapun shifted to virtual and streamlined mode for two years to keep the festive spirit. Physical celebration resumed two years ago with the launch of its Basket of Happiness rebranding, which featured the circuit of tourist-ready spots. Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua said that the weeklong merry-making will put to the fore once more Quirino's ascent in the tourism's big league as the festival reaches its silver year. He added that the festival is the best time to visit the province and explore its must-visit attractions such as the 100-foot Ganano Falls and its adjoining cascades in Diffun, the Aglipay Caves and Campsite in Aglipay, Governor's Rapids in Maddela, and Landingan Viewpoint and Siitan River Park in Nagtipunan. With the theme "Quirino: Mahusay, Matatag at Nagkakaisa sa Bagong Pilipinas," festivities kicked off on September 6 topbilled by the Arts and Crafts Exhibit Fair and the One Town, One Product Agro-Industrial and Tourism Fair, which promotes the destinations, crafts, culture, cuisine and native crafts of the six towns in creative booths. Celebration peaks on September 10 with the anniversary program and the Panagdadapun Street Dancing Competition, which will put the spotlight on the local heritage through the six municipal festivals. All events take place at the 110-hectare provincial capitol complex in Cabarroguis town, which is dotted by greeneries at the Orchidarium, Tree for Legacy Park, Bamboo Eco-Park, plant nurseries, resort-type hostels, museum and library, and a tree-lined boating lake. Read The Rest at :