MindanaoToday.com | Kuyamis Festival hits New York City streets for Philippine Independence parade
By: Jan Albert K. Araña
MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Kuyamis Festival, the biggest celebration in Misamis Oriental, graced the streets of New York City during the 126th Philippine Independence Anniversary Commemoration Cultural Parade on June 2 (USA date).
The Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), Inc., a nonprofit organization based in New York City that organizes, plans, executes and directs the annual Philippine Independence commemoration, spearheaded the parade.
PIDC President Arman David, in an interview with WPIX11, emphasized the importance of commemorating and celebrating Philippine Independence as a way to preserve the heritage and culture of Filipinos abroad, particularly in New York.
“With over 400,000 Filipinos here in New York City, it is important to continue our Filipino heritage for future generations. This year’s theme, “To preserve Filipino heritage and culture for future generations,” underscores the importance of uniting future Filipino-American generations here,” David said.
He said the celebration covered ten blocks on Madison Avenue, showcasing Filipino heritage and culture, participated by various Filipino organizations.
The Kuyamis Festival highlighted the celebration alongside a vibrant street fair featuring Filipino food and products on 26th Street.
Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa represented the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental at the event and proudly expressed appreciation for being part of it. He explained that Kuyamis is an endemic variety of coconut that grows in Misamis Oriental, and Governor Peter Unabia is passionate about bringing the festival to the world stage.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our culture, promote our tourism industry, and revitalize the coconut industry in Misamis Oriental to continue developing our agricultural sector with government support,” Cañosa said.
Eighty captivating performers from the Kuyamis Festival took to the streets of New York, leaving Cañosa and Governor Unabia optimistic that the event’s vibrant display would further promote Misamis Oriental’s tourism industry and the Kuyamis Festival itself on the world stage. (JAKA, PIA Region 10 – Misamis Oriental)
###