TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Samar has officially opened the 2026 Tandaya Festival, launching nearly two weeks of cultural, tourism, and development activities anchored on the theme, “Tinikangan. Katungtungan. Kabubuwason.” (Our Beginnings. Our Present. Our Future.)
The province-wide celebration, organized by the Samar Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office (SPTCAO), runs until Aug. 11 in time for the observance of Samar Day, the province’s founding anniversary.
Provincial officials said this year’s festival celebrates the Samarnon journey—from its rich cultural heritage and resilience to its present achievements and aspirations for a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Among the festival’s major attractions are the Tandaya Festival King and Queen Costume Competition, the Mutya han Samar 2026 pageant, the Samar Day commemorative program, the State of the Province Address (SOPA), civic parade, concerts, and the Agro-Industrial Fair.
The celebration also features cultural events such as the Ladawan Art Exhibit and Siday ngan Karantahay, as well as development initiatives including the Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills (YES) Start-Up Camp and the inaugural Line Fishing Olympics.
Provincial officials said this year’s festival has been redesigned in response to the national government’s energy conservation measures by consolidating evening events, maximizing daytime activities, and adopting energy-efficient logistics while preserving the province’s annual cultural celebration.
Institutionalized in 2005, the Tandaya Festival serves as Samar’s official provincial festival and culminates on Aug. 11, Samar Day, commemorating the province’s founding under Republic Act No. 12038.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
