Giant Pancit Cabagan highlights Bambanti 2026- Day 3

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela- Festivalgoers gathered together to witness and partake in the communal feast after a massive 208 kilos of Pancit Cabagan was served at Queen Isabella Park on the third day, January 20, of the weeklong celebration of Bambanti Festival 2026.

Headed by Cabagan Mayor Mila A. Mamauag, the giant serving was prepared by 26 barangays of the said municipality, with each barangay contributing eight kilos of the local noodle dish. The Pancit Cabagan with toppings of 104 kilos of crispy lechon carahay and another 104 kilos of igado was laid out on a 16-foot-diameter bilao.

Alongside the serving of the giant Pancit Cabagan was a speed-eating contest. Jesimar Ronquillo from the Municipality of San Mateo emerged as the champion and won ₱3,000. Lodimar Gatan of Ilagan City finished second and took home ₱2,000 while Roland Donato from the Municipality of Divilacan placed third and received ₱1,000.

Isabela Governor Rodito Albano and Vice Governor Kiko Dy, with Tourism Director of Region 2, Dr. Alexander Troy Miano, also had their plates full.  

“Bagong Tuklas sa Bagong Bukas”

Isabela Vice Governor Kiko Dy, in an ambush interview by the various local media in the province, said the serving of the giant Pancit Cabagan is in line with the festival’s theme “Bagong Tuklas sa Bagong Bukas”. He said that this year’s celebration highlights the Food and Sports Tourism.

“Nakita po kasi namin ‘yong fini-feature na food tourism natin ngayon. Kaya sabi namin, ano ba ang ipinagmamalaki natin na isa sa mga pagkain natin dito sa ating lalawigan kung hindi iyong pancit Cabagan natin?  At noong nakaraang taon, ginawa po ito ng bayan ng Cabagan sa fiesta nila. Kaya hinikayat namin na sila na din ang magprepare ng giant Cabagan ngayong taon”, Dy said.

He urged the public to visit the Bambanti Village’s Agri-ecotourism booths and see the innovations. # Mae Barangan