BALER, Aurora (PIA) — The celebration of Aurora’s 47th founding anniversary this month goes beyond festivity, serving as a platform to strengthen local identity and deepen community involvement in tourism and culture-led development.
Carrying the theme “Sigla at Galak sa Kultura at Turismo”, it highlights activities that showcase the province’s traditions while encouraging public participation across sectors.
Provincial Tourism Officer Ana Riza Mendoza said major activities begin on February 12 with the sashing of Binibining Aurora 2026 candidates and the opening of Pistang Pasidayaw featuring the Siempre Aurora Trade Fair, Food Fiesta, street dance presentations, and festive street installations.
Sports competitions remain a major draw with the Aurora surfing challenge at Sabang Beach, a province-wide skateboarding competition from February 13 to 15, and the first rollerblade competition on February 7 and 8 at the Baler Skatepark.
Cultural and learning activities are scheduled throughout the celebration, such as the Bantayog ng Kultura at Sining and the Komedya de Baler Exhibition, which aim to deepen public appreciation of Aurora’s history and artistic heritage.
Meanwhile, Mendoza urged locals and tourists to practice proper waste management, recommending the use of reusable containers such as tumblers to minimize trash.
“Celebrating our festival responsibly means taking care of the environment, so everyone’s enjoyment doesn’t come at the cost of our province’s cleanliness,” she emphasized.
The celebration concludes on February 19, marking the 138th birth anniversary of former First Lady Aurora Aragon-Quezon, whose leadership paved the way for Aurora’s provincial status and continues to inspire community development, cultural preservation, and local pride.
Building on this legacy, the provincial government aims to expand tourism programs and cultural initiatives to engage more communities while sustaining Aurora’s heritage since 1979. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
