Occidental Mindoro celebrated its 74th Founding Anniversary alongside the Arawatan Festival 2024 with the theme “Kultura’y Pangalagaan, Agri-Turismo para sa mas Maunlad na Kanlurang Mindoro”. The celebration was packed with various activities that catered to the needs and ensured the enjoyment of every Mindoreño in the province. Below are the highlights of the week-long celebration:

The 2024 Founding Anniversary and Arawatan Festival officially began on November 6, 2024, with its Kick-Off Activity. The opening events included Handog Titulo, the Opening of Tianggian sa Kapitolyo, and APAW Ignite, where Christian communities came together to start the festivities with praises and worship to the Lord.

On November 7, 2024, the festival highlighted the community services and showcasing local artistry. The day’s highlights included NBI Mobile Services, a Job’s Fair, a Photo and Art Exhibit, and the Welcome Ball, capped off by a dazzling Fireworks Display to mark the formal start of the Arawatan Festival.

November 8, 2024, turned its spotlight to trade and talent. Visitors from neighboring municipalities and provinces explored the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair and enjoyed the Ginoo at Bb. Agri-Turismo 2024 Talent Night & Swimsuit Competition. On the same day, the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) provided on-site services to professionals in the province.

The weekend of November 9–10, 2024, was action-packed, delighting sports enthusiasts with events such as the Governor Eduardo Gadiano Invitational Tennis Tournament, the Invitational MTB Challenge XCM, and the 1st Governor’s Cup Motocross Competition. These competitions were accompanied by cultural presentations like Ganadong Indakan at Awitan and Rakrakan sa Arawatan, where local bands and performers entertained audiences alongside guest artists.

From November 11–13, 2024, the festival highlighted youth empowerment, culture, equality, and advocacy. Events such as the Children’s Congress, Youth Symposium, AHD Short Film Festival, and Reyna ng Oksi, a pageant celebrating diversity and inclusivity, took center stage. Government services, including DFA Passporting, and celebrations like Araw ng Katutubo, Senior Citizen’s Night, and Agricultural Worker’s Night, were also held during this period.

The celebration culminated on November 14 and 15, 2024, with grand activities, including PWD Day, the crowning of Ginoo at Bb. Agri-Turismo 2024, and the much-awaited Thanksgiving Mass and Arawatan Parade. The final day featured the Declaration of the 74th Founding Anniversary, cultural performances such as a Korean Cultural Presentation, and the exciting TGT Night and Variety Show.

This year’s Arawatan Festival was more than just a celebration; it served as a testament to the resilience, strength, and unity of the people of Occidental Mindoro. It beautifully intertwined tradition, tourism, and development, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who participated in this momentous occasion.