City of Ilagan Shines at the Annual Bambanti Festival with Assistance from Architecture Department of ISU – Ilagan Campus
The Annual Bambanti Festival in Isabela, known for celebrating the province’s agricultural heritage through creative representations of scarecrows, has once again captivated the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The festival was held in January 26, 2028. This year, the city of Ilagan emerged as a standout participant in both the festival’s booth design and the much-anticipated Bambanti or scarecrow competition, clinching 1st place in the Giant Bambanti in Category A while securing a second place in the Agri-Tourism Booth with the help of a talented team from Architecture Department of the Isabela State University, City of Ilagan, Isabela.
The Bambanti Festival, which takes place every January, honors the “Bambanti” (scarecrow) as a symbol of Isabela’s farmers who have long relied on these figures to protect crops from pests. This year’s festival saw municipalities across the province coming together to showcase their creativity and ingenuity, culminating in an exciting competition where local government units (LGUs) displayed their best scarecrows and festival booths.
The Ilagan LGU, which has participated in the festival for many years, tapped the expertise of the Architecture Department to elevate their entry. With the department’s assistance, they were able to design and build a festival booth that not only reflected the theme of the event but also embodied Ilagan’s rich agricultural history and modern growth.
According to Architect Bagnos A. Quebral Jr., Chairman of the Architecture Department and Architect Geraldine J. Paguigan, faculty member from the Isabela State University, the collaboration aimed to blend traditional and contemporary design elements, using sustainable materials and eco-friendly techniques. “We wanted to create something that told a story of Ilagan’s farming roots while also celebrating the progressive strides the city is making in urban development,” Quebral said. “Our design featured elements like corn, natural fibers, and recycled materials to reflect sustainability in agriculture.”
The booth, which was unveiled on the first day of the festival, immediately caught the attention of festival-goers and judges alike for its intricate craftsmanship and thematic relevance. The towering scarecrow, designed to symbolize the protection of Ilagan’s farmlands, featured an innovative mix of traditional scarecrow attire and modern accessories, highlighting the city’s commitment to both culture and sustainability.
The scarecrow competition, which is one of the festival’s most anticipated events, was another area where Ilagan excelled. The city’s entry—a larger-than-life scarecrow made from recycled agricultural materials—took home the first-place prize, impressing the judges with its creativity and environmental consciousness. The structure, designed by a team of architecture students and local artisans, showcased a giant scarecrow donning a farmer’s hat and wielding a tool, while adorned with colorful woven fabric and local produce.
Mayor Jay L. Diaz of City of Ilagan expressed his gratitude to the Isabela State University, Ilagan Campus headed by Dr. Alfonso R. Simon through the Architecture Department for their invaluable contribution. “This year’s success in the Bambanti Festival is not just a win for Ilagan, but also a testament to the collaborative spirit of our community,” Mayor Diaz said. “The partnership with the ISU’s Architecture Department has helped us raise the bar, making our entry more innovative and reflective of the values we hold dear.”
The Ilagan LGU’s triumph is seen as a significant achievement for both the city and the university. The collaboration not only showcased the talents of architecture students and faculty but also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in promoting local culture and sustainable practices.
The 2024 Bambanti Festival has set the bar high for future editions, and with the momentum from this year’s success, Ilagan is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and innovation in the years to come.
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[ Correspondent : Dr. Geraldine J. Paguigan ]