MONCADA, Tarlac (Feb. 17, 2026) – The municipality of Moncada celebrated its third annual Kamote Festival from February 1 to 15, 2026, turning the spotlight on the town’s hardworking farmers and its main crop, the sweet potato, or kamote.
The festival, which began in 2024 under then-Mayor and now Vice Governor Lita Aquino, has grown into a much-anticipated event that highlights the town’s agricultural strength. This year’s celebration was led by Mayor Ramon Benito “RB” Aquino.
Mayor Aquino was clear that the festival is about more than just the root crop.
“Hindi dahil Kamote Festival ito ay kamote lang ang prinopromote natin,” he said. “Ang prinopromote natin ay ang kabuhayan ng mga farmers dito sa ating bayan ng Moncada.”
The event served as a major platform to support local farmers. During the “Farmers Fest,” associations were given seeds and fertilizers to help boost their production. The mayor also noted that the festival helps farmers build networks and find new buyers for their products.
The celebration, with the theme “Ili-likha Moncada,” was filled with color and activity. Highlights included the Bahay-Kubo & Agrikultura Exhibit, which showcased traditional nipa huts and local produce.
The Culinaria Food Fest saw contestants create delicious dishes using kamote. The event’s centerpiece was the Grand Festival Dance Competition, where eight districts performed lively street dances, wearing colorful costumes that told the story of the farmers’ journey and resilience.
A grand float parade, decorated with crops and farming tools, also moved through the festivities. Joining the parade was television personality and former actor Joshua Dionisio, who graced the event as a special guest.
Evenings were made more festive with performances from top OPM singers. Headlining the main event were singers Earl Agustin and Maki. Joining them on stage was Viva Records artist Sandex Gavin, who also performed for the crowds during the celebration.
More than just a celebration, Moncada’s Kamote Festival stands as a strong initiative to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the lives of its farmers, reminding everyone of the town’s identity as a key producer of sweet potatoes.
