El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental has officially institutionalized the Nipa Festival as its annual cultural festival.
In preparation for the 9th Nipa Festival, set to take place in mid-August, the City Tourism Office held a coordination meeting on Wednesday afternoon with partner companies, barangay officials, and Sangguniang Kabataan representatives to finalize plans for the weeklong celebration.
This year’s celebration marks the first implementation of Ordinance No. 003-5, Series of 2025, which formally recognizes the event as the city’s official cultural festival.
The ordinance reinforces the city’s commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating El Salvador City’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and identity, while ensuring the festival’s continuity for future generations.
Led by Mayor Edgar Lignes and facilitated by City Tourism Officer Paul Medina, the meeting focused on presenting the festival calendar of activities, guidelines, contest mechanics, security measures, and implementation plans.
“The gathering also served as a venue for consultation and collaboration among participating villages, private sector partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the orderly, safe, and successful staging of the city’s flagship cultural event,” Medina said in a statement Thursday.
Before the festival’s institution, related events begin in August each year. It highlights street dancing and a tableau presentation that depicts the historical significance of the area’s abundant Nipa mangrove.
Before it was renamed El Salvador, the town was popularly known as “Tagnipa”.
Meanwhile, Lignes said the Nipa Festival highlights the local government’s long-term vision to protect El Salvador City’s cultural legacy while promoting tourism, community participation, and local economic development.
The city government likewise reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the public and private sectors as preparations for the festival continue.
The festival is expected to showcase the city’s vibrant traditions, creativity, and community spirit. (PNA)
