The Feature and Components of the Arabay Festival of Arimbay, Legazpi City

Abstract

This study is a documentation of the salient features and components of the Arabay Festival of Barangay Arimbay, Legazpi City. Arabay is derived from a local term which means to do things together. The festival was deemed a good start-up initiative for a community wide program on culture, with the end-view of forging community identity and solidarity, and encouraging local development. Data for the study were gathered through review and analyses of pertinent documents and materials such as narrative reports, facilitator’s notes, training design, and evaluation by theater workshop participants. The study is grounded in theoretical paradigms which view culture as an important basis for social solidarity and for alternative local and regional growth. The findings showed that the Arabay Festival is rooted in the culture and history of the community of Barangay, Arimbay. Its creation is in line with the provisions and tenets of culture-based governance and national development agenda of the country, which recognize culture as a crucial pillar of sustainable development. In giving shape and form to the festival, two major approaches were employed - community-based development theater approach and capacity-building for festival managers and culture-bearers in the community. The findings of the study may serve as template and inspiration for similar endeavors on growing a signature festival.