Guimaras State University’s Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) Department successfully conducted a Hands-on Activity in Events Management Services in collaboration with the Suclaran Micro Entrepreneurs Association (SMEA) during the Harvest Festival on October 14–15, 2023. The event took place at the Brgy. Suclaran Auditorium in San Lorenzo, Guimaras and served as a platform to showcase religious, cultural, and recreational activities for the local community.
The two-day celebration commenced on October 14 with a Mass hosted by the Independencia Filipina Church, setting a spiritual tone for the festival. The day was filled with engaging activities, including youth games, a traditional boat race (Bangkakera), and a community Boodle Fight, bringing the residents together in a festive spirit.
On October 15, the festival’s highlight began with a Float Parade, where participants from various outstations and puroks displayed creatively decorated floats. A Thanksgiving Mass followed, reinforcing the community’s gratitude for the harvest season. The day’s activities continued with Harvest Festival Games, a Table Skirting competition paired with Food Presentation, and a Thanksgiving Meal shared by guests and residents. The afternoon was filled with cultural presentations, culminating in the much-anticipated Hiyas ng Harvest Festival 2023 coronation event, celebrating local beauty and talent.
Aligned with the Tourism Act of 2009, which recognizes tourism as a key driver of national economic growth, the event emphasized the importance of sustainable and community-driven tourism development. Additionally, the initiative supported the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Ambisyon 2040 goals, particularly in Gender Equality and Zero Hunger, by providing local entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in the tourism sector.
As part of the ongoing recovery plan for the Suclaran Micro Entrepreneurs Association, the hands-on events management activity aimed to enhance and validate participants’ skills in preparation for their upcoming Events Management Services NCIII assessment in early 2024. The knowledge and experience gained from this training will be instrumental in achieving their goal of establishing catering services within San Lorenzo and other municipalities in Guimaras, contributing to local economic growth and sustainable livelihood.
With its success, the Harvest Festival 2023 not only celebrated the richness of Suclaran’s culture and traditions but also laid the groundwork for a stronger, community-driven tourism industry in Guimaras.
