An Waray restages Oktubafest

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines - — An Waray party-list once again spearheaded the staging of  "Oktubafest at the Leyte Park Convention Center" yesterday.

Representative Victoria "Binky" Noel (An Waray) said Oktubafest, with contests such as Best  Bahal and Best Bahalina, is an annual festival celebrating the native coconut wine and its cultural significance in Eastern Visayas.

The tuba processing is one of the many regional industries that Eastern Visayans could claim as truly its own, Noel said.

"It is also one of the most promising indigenous industries that with low equipment requirements and production cost would significantly contribute to the livelihood of  many of  those living in the rural communities," she said.

As the third largest coconut producing region of the country, a revitalized and enriched tuba industry will help much towards harnessing this vital component of  Eastern Visayans' culinary and cultural heritage as well as economic wealth, said the congresswoman.

Oktubafest was being conducted in collaboration with local business establishments especially those involved in the tuba and coconut industry.  (FREEMAN)