LUBI FESTIVAL IN MARIA, SIQUIJOR

The town fiesta of Maria in Siquijor province was highlighted with a “Lubi (coconut) Festival" which Maria town mayor Roselyn T. Asok said is a joyful expression of thanksgiving in honor of the patron saint, Our Lady of Divine Providence for a bountiful harvest and blessings received from the tree of life locally known as “Lubi” (coconut). In its last celebration, a total of 154 participants in the Festival dance showdown from the seven clusters including each cluster’s festival King and Queen performed successfully onstage. The dances portrayed the importance of a coconut tree, a tree of life that needs to be protected. They also depict the humble ways of living of the Maria folks. Claiming coconut as its main product, the local government through the Lubi Festival hopes to encourage people to plant more trees. “Coconut tree and their products have made our elders educate their children,” said Padayhag, noting that most of the families in the town get most of their income from the coconut tree industry.