By Rachel Magday

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The 2026 Grand Ammungan Festival (GAF), the annual founding anniversary celebration of the province, will be compressed into a one-day event from its original five-day schedule, in line with a belt-tightening directive from Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, as the provincial government moves to conserve funds and redirect savings into financial assistance for sectors severely affected by the ongoing fuel price crisis linked to global tensions in the Middle East.

Festival Director General Eunice Galima -Gambol said the decision reflects a broader austerity program aimed at ensuring that public resources are used prudently while addressing the immediate needs of Novo Vizcayanos grappling with rising costs of basic commodities and transportation.

Originally scheduled from May 20 to 25, the Grand Ammungan Festival was set to feature major crowd-drawing events such as the Travel and Tourism Expo, the Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya pageant, Street Dancing Competition and a grand concert. The downsizing marks a significant shift in what has traditionally been one of the province’s biggest annual celebrations.

In her official statement, Gambol underscored that the move was reached after careful deliberation and anchored on principles of unity, prudence, and fiscal discipline.

“This will be a modest but meaningful celebration to commemorate the history and spirit of our great province,” she said, noting that her role as a public servant compels her to prioritize the welfare of the people over festivities.

She added that resources saved from the scaled-down event would be channeled to critical programs and aid initiatives, particularly for vulnerable sectors bearing the brunt of the economic strain.

While the announcement confirms the shift to a one-day observance of the province’s foundation anniversary, Gambol did not specify which activities from the original lineup will be retained or adapted for the condensed program.

Despite the scaled-down celebration, Gambol assured the public that the essence of the Grand Ammungan Festival—honoring the rich cultural heritage and unity of Nueva Vizcaya—will remain at the forefront.

Gambol also called on residents to remain resilient and united as the province navigates the challenges posed by global economic pressures.