Ilocano creatives take center stage in Ilocos Norte’s Tan-ok Festival

Philippines' Laoag City- Ilocano creatives from 21 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte will take the center stage during the 11th Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival, the grandest cultural showdown set on Feb. 16, 2024, at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium.

Organizers said this year’s celebrations will revolve around Ilocano oral traditions, in recognition of the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee for oral traditions, Adelita R. Bagcal, who was recently acclaimed as the 'dallot queen' of the province.

Dallot is a native chant delivered during special occasions by the Ilocano community in the olden times. Over the years, the Ilocos Norte government has supported the creative industries, boosting their potential to foster cultural exchange, creating a sense of pride and identity, and driving the province’s economic growth.

In Vintar alone, Suguitan said the contingents this year are composed of 50 dancers, 40 human props, 96 props men, 15 management staff and more than 30 laborers. Though the festival is seasonal, local creatives continue to look forward to the grand event every year as this allows them to earn more income and help their families.

In support of the grand festival, the Ilocos Norte government continues to provide financial subsidies worth PHP300,000 to each of the participating local government units.