DILG 5 Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., CESO V represents DILG Secretary Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos Jr. as Guest of Honor and Speaker at the Opening of the Catandungan Festival 2022 bannering the theme “Catanduanes @ 77: Pagtalubo kan Kulturang Ginikanan, Sating Pakusugon” at the Catanduanes Provincial Capitol on October 24, 2022.

“May we continue to teach so that others may understand; understand so we may persist in loving and embracing our roots; and from this love, may we all become champions of our Catandunganon culture,” RD Escober expressed, encouraging the Catandungan audience to cherish and be proud as they altogether seek to preserve their cultural heritage.

After the program, a ceremonial turnover of Disaster Preparedness and Response Equipment to Catanduanes Municipalities was held. The euipment were funded by the Disaster Training Equipment and Assistance Project (DTEAP) through the initiative of Senator Francis N. Tolentiono.

RD Escober also graced the ribbon cutting at the Catandungan Festival Trade and Tourism Fair featuring various handicrafts and delicacies, as well as the opening of the Pagkamoot Exhibit which featured local artists, photographers, events planners, and pastry shops, among others.

DILG 5 is one with the Province of Catanduanes as it celebrates decades of relentless public service delivery to the community.