By Ercel Maandig
Cagayan de Oro,January 13-The Kuyamis Festival of Misamis Oriental has reached new heights of recognition as the Department of Tourism(DoT) officially acknowledges it as one of the major festivals in the Philippines. This milestone highlights the province’s dedication to promoting its rich cultural heritage and advancing its socio-economic development goals.
Now in its 12th year, the weeklong celebration of Kuyamis Festival formally open lead by Governor Peter Unabia.With a series of exciting highlights that include the Search for Miss Kuyamis 2025, the Street Dancing Competition, and the Coconut-Inspired Booth Competition. These events not only showcase the creativity and talent of the people of Misamis Oriental but also underscore the importance of the coconut industry to the province.
In the festival’s opening salvo, Governor Peter Unabia emphasized the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to reducing poverty, aiming for a single-digit poverty incidence in Misamis Oriental in 2028. From 22%, the poverty reduction objective now gaining at 16% reduced.In his speech,Unabia described the Kuyamis Festival as a platform for fostering unity, tourism, and economic growth, aligning with the province’s broader vision of progress and sustainability. The Grand opening of Kuyamis Festival 2025 was attended by Department of Tourism(DoT) Region 10 Director Marie Elaine Unchuan together with staff in full force. According to Unchuan that DoT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco allocated a financial support for this year’s festival a total amount of Php750,000.00.
One of the festival’s standout events is the Miss Kuyamis Gown Competition where Coronation night will be held on January 15(Wednesday) at LimKetKai Atrium.This year, takes a significant step towards promoting the province’s silk industry. According to Provincial Tourism Department Head Maryden Lilay, the competition will feature gowns designed by local designers and crafted from silk woven by artisans in Laguindingan town. This initiative not only elevates the prestige of the Miss Kuyamis pageant but also provides a platform for local weavers to showcase their craftsmanship to a national audience.
The Kuyamis Festival began 12 years ago under the leadership of then-Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano. Named after the “kuyamis,” a sweet coconut variety native to Misamis Oriental, the festival was envisioned as a celebration of the province’s coconut industry and cultural heritage. Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant, multi-faceted event that attracts tourists, investors, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country.
Another highlight of the festival is the Coconut-Inspired Booth Competition, where municipalities creatively display products and crafts made from coconuts. These booths reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the province’s people. Complementing this is the highly anticipated Street Dancing Competition, which brings to life the vibrant traditions and stories of Misamis Oriental through music and dance. There are 14 towns competing the contest,said Ocot.
The recognition of the Kuyamis Festival as a major Philippine festival is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people of Misamis Oriental. It showcases the province’s unique identity while driving its economic and cultural growth. As the festival continues to gain national prominence, it serves as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the boundless potential of the province,Ocot explained during the media interview.
This year’s Kuyamis Festival is not just a celebration of tradition but also a powerful statement of the province’s determination to achieve progress and prosperity for its people. With its dynamic lineup of events and focus on community empowerment, the Kuyamis Festival is set to leave an indelible mark on the national cultural landscape.
