Balbalan marks 17th Manchachatong Festival with display of creativity and local products

Balbalan, Kalinga – The festive spirit lit the entire Municipality of Balbalan as the townsfolk along with visitors gathered to mark the 17th Manchachatong Festival of the town on March 20 – 22, 2025 at the Balbalan Central School.

Manchachatong is Balbalan’s town festival which means arrival and gathering of people.

Among the highlights of the event is the cultural street dancing which had the 14 barangays display their local products accompanied by indigenous instruments and cultural dances, showing the rich and varied heritage of Balbalan.

The performances of these communities were witnessed by the Balbalan constituents led by Mayor Almar Malannag along with visitors and guests like Governor James Edduba and Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang who personally graced the formal program held on March 21.

In the three-day festival, Balbalan also crowned Shira Mae Alit Acosta of Barangay Ab-abaan as the 2025 Miss Balbalan. Other beauties who brought home titles include Yashika Tebag Maling of Barangay Gawaan, first runner-p; Stephanie Ann Laguinday Libnao of Buaya, second runner-up; Nestle Alunday Dappay of Pantikian, third runner-up; and Khim Lawagan Agustin of Barangay Poswoy who clinched the fourth runner-up post.

Other highlights of this year’s Manchachatong include agri-fair, dance competitions, a free concert with a fireworks display, and the schools day event which demonstrated the talents of the iBalbalan students.