Around 150,000 local and foreign tourists are expected to attend this year's Sillag Poro Point Festival of Lights at the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union, the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) said today.
Tourism in the province of La Union has grown throughout the years since the annual summer festival was launched in 2012 with just 4,000 attendees. Last year, Sillag attracted 131,000 attendees.
The term “Sillag” is named after the Ilocano word “sellag” which means moonbeam or illumination from the moon.
The festival, which will run from April 6 to 8, 2018, is a tribute to the role of the old Poro Point lighthouse in guiding the fishermen home.
Aside from the magnificent Hope Lantern Ceremony, tourists can also watch the Lights Parade featuring illuminated floats from participating government agencies, business firms and various organizations.
A street dancing competition, pyromusical show, and separate concerts of bands Shamrock and 6CycleMind will also be held during the festival.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Poro Point Freeport Zone and the 15th anniversary of the PPMC. PPMC is a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).