This city is expecting to surpass last year’s 200,000 tourist arrivals during the 35th Ibalong Festival on Aug. 7 to 23.

Accommodation establishments have reported full bookings, Mayor Hisham Ismail said in an interview Friday.

“We have one of the longest-running festivals with a unique history. Through programs like this, we continue to help the younger generation understand the significance of the Ibalong Festival and the culture of being a Legazpeño,” he said.

A budget of PHP23 million has been allocated for this year’s festival, which is also expected to generate a multiplier effect on the local economy while promoting tourist destinations in Legazpi City and neighboring municipalities.

The Ibalong Festival celebrates Bicol heroes Baltog, Handyong and Bantong through cultural events, street performances, concerts, sports, trade fairs, and activities.

Also on Friday, the city unveiled a commemorative personalized stamp, in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation, at the city hall.

The stamp, the first commemorative issue for the festival in about 45 years, aims to preserve its legacy and promote Legazpi City and its culture.

Meanwhile, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Miladee Azur said the city will implement a hybrid command, control and coordination system to strengthen security and emergency response during the festival.

“We will have our emergency operations on the ground together with tactical teams. We will coordinate with the police, the Public Safety Office, barangays and other response agencies to ensure safety, health and medical response during every event,” Azur said. (PNA)