The Assessment Meeting was presided by Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, Achitect Rodel T. Urian.
Mounting the Tinupig Festival that run from June 7-13, 2023 was by no means a walk in the park. It entailed months of planning and literally took a village—composed of various committees tasked to plan, prepare, and stage each of the events of the week-long Festival. These committees worked under the baton of Isabella G. Lozada, the Festival Directress.
Mayor Agatep, Cagayan 2nd District Rep. Baby Aline Vargas Alfonso, and Vice Mayor Randy Cambe during the opening of Tinupig Festival 2023, coinciding with the Inauguration of Natalged a Lasam Arena.
To improve on the next Tinupig Festival—this year’s edition being Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep’s first (the pandemic struck in his initial term), he called on his Management Committee for an exit conference and team-building among mostly just the Department heads, which also included a benchmarking trip by witnessing Pasay City’s Aliwan Festival.
Perhaps it was also a form of reward mechanism, but the Local Chief Executive is probably already thinking about preparing for the next Tinupig Festival or the Diamond Anniversary of Aldaw ti Lasam in 2025.
The group took the road less travelled to have a breath of fresh air in Matinloc, Pangasinan.
Setting out early morning of July 12, the group split in two, regrouping for lunch in Bayombong, for snacks and sightseeing in Matinloc, then dinner on approach to the Metro.
There are interesting sidestories to tell, like how the party hesitated checking in to a glasshouse residence inside the seemingly desolate Philip’s Sanctuary in Antipolo, chosen for its modest but respectable teambuilding facilities.
The meeting centered on the challenges, logistics, preparation, and what could be the rooms for improvement in each of the events of the 8th Tinupig Festival, specifically the holding of SK/ Sports Awards and Barangay Nights, Binibining Lasam, as well as the different sporting events prior or within the Festival.
As there were concerns or emphasis on the flagship activities given the theme “Mag-Barrio Fiesta Tayo at Pagsaluhan ang Wow Cacao,” passionate discussions lasted late at night on the 13th of July. More especially so for the various competitions or exhibitions, including the Foodfest and Exotic Dish Competition, and the inaugural Search for Innovative Lasameño Awards (SILAW).
A teambuilding session for the ManCom members to strengthen work rapport followed even in the rainy afternoon. The activities tested the grit and determination of the participants but these were fun— mud and all.
Upon the insistence of Municipal Tourism Officer Elmer A. Acierto, dropping by the rehearsals for the Aliwan Festival the night prior to the street dance and float parade competition provided an insider’s view of the preparations.
The side trips to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage a.k.a Antipolo Cathedral and the Pinto Museum proved enriching to the heart, mind, and soul.
While the group did not have front row privilege at this year’s Aliwan Festival, the LGU-Lasam observers did get relevant insights on staging the festivities that showcased the best of Philippine festivals. Some got the chance to pose with Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano of the host City of Pasay.
Mayor Agatep worked with his ManCom on the sidelines but his message was clear—to make the next municipal events or celebrations of similar scale memorable for every Lasameño to enjoy.
“When people become confident in the leader, they also become confident in the vision.”
—James Maxwell