BOAC, Marinduque — The island province of Marinduque is set to commemorate its 105th reestablishment with a grand lineup of activities from February 20 to 23. This year’s celebration, themed “Isang Alab, Isang Marinduque,” highlights the enduring spirit of Marinduqueños in fostering sustainable and creative futures.
As part of the annual “Araw ng Marinduque” festivities on February 21, the provincial government has organized various events to honor its rich history and cultural heritage. Among the major highlights are the Baliktanaw sa Kasaysayan Forum, the Isang Alab torch symbolic lighting, the State of the Province Address (SOPA), the Pusomoto: Heart of the Island circuit motoring adventure, the Gawad Marinduqueño 2025, and the Festival of Festivals with a float parade.
A Look Back at History
The celebration will kick off on February 20 with the Baliktanaw sa Kasaysayan Forum, featuring esteemed panelists Prof. Patrick Henry Manguera, Asst. Prof. Emmanuel Jayson Bolata, and Dr. Michael Charleston Chua. Expected to be attended by 1,000 high school and college students from the Department of Education, Marinduque State University, and other higher education institutions, the forum aims to delve into the province’s historical, economic, and cultural dimensions.
Additionally, the first day will also witness the opening of an agri-tourism trade fair and the Isang Alab torch marathon, setting the stage for a vibrant and meaningful celebration.
Main Day Celebration
On February 21, the Isang Alab torch symbolic lighting will take place before a thanksgiving eucharistic celebration, wreath-laying, and flag-raising ceremonies. One of the day’s main events is Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr.’s SOPA, which will provide an update on the province’s development and vision for the future.
Another significant event on the same day is the Gawad Marinduqueño 2025, which will honor individuals and groups excelling in various sectors, including public service, community service, law enforcement, education, culture and arts, development and social justice, business and entrepreneurship, and agriculture. The awards, first introduced during Marinduque’s centennial celebration in 2020, continue to recognize outstanding contributions to the province.
Motoring enthusiasts can also look forward to the Pusomoto: Heart of the Island circuit motoring adventure, which will traverse scenic routes across Marinduque.
Festival of Festivals and Grand Finale
February 22 will be marked by the much-anticipated Festival of Festivals, featuring a float parade and a fireworks display dubbed Alab Night. Participating festivals from each town include the Bila-Bila Festival of Boac, Maalindog-Tubaan Festival of Buenavista, Gasang-Gasang Festival of Gasan, Kangga Festival of Mogpog, Seafoods Festival of Santa Cruz and Torrillos Festival of Torrijos.
The celebration will conclude on February 23 with a motor exhibit and a province-wide motoring adventure, further highlighting Marinduque’s commitment to sustainable tourism and creative community engagement.
Special Holiday Declaration
Through Proclamation No. 798, series of 2025, February 21 has been declared a special non-working holiday in Marinduque by the Malacañan Palace. This marks the day when the province was officially separated from Tayabas (now Quezon) through Philippine Legislature Assembly Act No. 2880 on February 21, 1920.
As part of the Baliktanaw sa Kasaysayan Forum and Gov. Velasco Jr.’s SOPA, a special video documentary will be presented, exploring the political, economic, and cultural significance of Marinduque’s reestablishment.
With its diverse activities and deep historical roots, the 105th reestablishment of Marinduque promises to be a meaningful celebration, uniting the community under the shared flame of heritage, sustainability, and creativity. — with reports from Dr. Randy T. Nobleza / Marinduquenews.com
