Abra Dapil fest held with Army

BANGUED, Abra -- The Army’s 24th Infantry (Wildcat) Battalion participated in the Dapil Festival Parade here recently.

The Dapil Festival is an annual celebration in Bangued, Abra that showcases its rich culture and tradition.

Dapil is derived from the word “Panagdapil, the traditional method of extracting juice from sugarcane, which is one of the main agricultural products of Abra. Some by-products of sugarcane are “basi” or wine, vinegar, muscovado and molasses.

The 5-day activity which started last Feb. 19, had trade fairs, food bazaar, Bangued Idol, Search for Mr. and Ms. Bangued, ground demonstration competition and parades that brought colors to the celebration.

Brigadier General Lenard T Agustin, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, said that the military is one with the Abrenians in celebrating the Dapil Festival.

“May this activity bring economic growth to Abra as their products are being showcased by more than 40 small to medium entrepreneurs,” he said.

Brigadier General Henry A. Robinson Jr., 702nd Brigade Commander, commended the local government for the successful conduct of Dapil Festival and hoped that the activity will bring more friendship among the people in and out of Bangued, Abra.

Lt. Col. Jearie Boy Faminial, Battalion Commander of the 24IB said, the Army  helped to make the celebration more meaningful by keeping the festival area safe and secure.

“We are always on the alert all throughout the festival and even after it,” he said.