27 from the Diplomatic Corps and 17 DFA Officials to visit Isabela during Bambanti 2025 Celebration
SAN MATEO, Isabela– At least 27 ambassadors from various countries and 17 officials of the Dept. of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will arrive in the province of Isabela beginning January 23, 2025, the 5th day of the weeklong celebration of Bambanti Festival 2025.
The visit, organized by the DFA in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Isabela is called a Familiarization Tour of Foreign Diplomats. In a press conference held at the Balai on January 22, Atty. Elizabeth Binag, provincial information officer, said that Isabela has the largest contingent among the provinces that were chosen by the DFA.
Isabela, known as the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines,” is an essential agricultural hub and one of the country’s major producers of rice and other crops. The visit presents a unique opportunity for the ambassadors to learn more about the province’s role in the national economy and explore potential partnerships in agriculture, trade, and sustainable development.
Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III with his spouse, Her Excellency Ambassador Mylene De Joya Garcia-Albano, Philippine Ambassador for Japan, and Vice Governor Faustino “Bojie” G. DY III will be receiving the distinguished guests, for the welcome program and welcome dance, emphasizing the importance of the event in enhancing the province’s global visibility.
The visit is expected not just to highlight Isabela’s economic strengths but also to foster stronger international relations, which can open doors for new investments, collaborations, and cultural exchanges.
In addition to agricultural discussions, the delegation is also expected to explore Isabela’s tourism potential, with a tour of the province’s natural landmarks, and historical sites. They will be accompanied by the 17 DFA officials including five assistant secretaries. The ambassadors will visit the dairy farm in the City of Ilagan, experience the Inabel weaving of Quezon, and taste the local cuisine, and other elements of Isabela’s cultural identity.
The event promises to be a significant milestone for both Isabela and the Philippines, reinforcing the nation’s diplomatic and economic standing on the world stage. It will also shed light on the government’s dream to elevate the Bambanti Festival at the ASEAN level.# Mae Barangan
