BOAC, Marinduque — The Municipality of Boac is set to celebrate the 65th Araw ng Laylay with the vibrant Pansitan Festival on May 25, in line with the nationwide observance of National Heritage Month.
Residents and visitors are invited to take part in the lively festivities in Barangay Laylay, which will showcase a rich mix of cultural, culinary, and community-centered activities. The celebration will feature events such as barangay sports competitions, pageants, and cultural presentations leading up to the Grand Day.
Festival highlights include a colorful street dancing competition, an elaborate float parade, a bancathon, and a cooking show that celebrates the town’s signature noodle dishes. The event underscores Laylay’s identity as a hub of diverse and authentic “pansit” (noodle) cuisine, with each dish symbolizing the history and pride of its people.
The significance of the festival is further strengthened by Municipal Ordinance No. 2021-312, which officially declared Barangay Laylay as the “Pansit Capital” of Boac. The ordinance recognizes the village’s long-standing culinary tradition and positions it as a key destination for food tourism in Marinduque.
Authored by then Councilor Aurelio J. Leva III and enacted by the Sangguniang Bayan in 2021, the measure institutionalized the annual Pansitan Festival as a major gastro-tourism event. It mandates activities such as pansit-themed street dancing, float parades, and cooking demonstrations to promote local heritage and stimulate economic growth.
Local officials said the festival not only celebrates food but also strengthens cultural identity and community unity. “This is more than a feast—it is a reflection of who we are as Laylayeños,” organizers shared.
As preparations continue, the local government encourages everyone to mark their calendars and experience a celebration that highlights tradition, creativity, and the enduring spirit of the people of Laylay. -- Dr. Randy Nobleza, Marinduquenews.org
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