The Singkaban Festival 2026 kicked off on 7th September with communities from all over the province converging on the streets of Malolos, bringing their colours, music, artistry and the indelible essence of Bulakenyos to a week-long celebration of culture, heritage and unity.

In what is now called the “Mother of All Fiestas in Bulacan”, the Singkaban Festival comes back with a stronger message this time, centred on the theme “Kultura ng Integridad, Pamana ng Pagkakaisa (Culture of Integrity, Legacy of Unity).”

The festival is a reminder of the things that Bulacan has received from previous generations and the ones it is creating and giving to the next generation of descendants.

For a province that has experienced various calamities and still faces the needs of the affected people, Gov. Daniel Fernando says, “People shouldn’t forget what is happening in Bulacan by coming together for the festival.”

“The things that bind us together as Bulakenyos, we must not forget them; despite the challenges we face as a province,” the governor said.

“Singkaban is our opportunity to share and celebrate our culture, arts, history, talents and strengthen our unity.”

This was graced by Department of Education (DepEd) assistant secretary for administration Aurelio Paulo Bartolome, representing the Secretary of Education, Juan Edgardo Angara.

“One thing has been learnt in history: a storm can shake a Filipino, but it will not shake his spirit,” Bartolome said. 

Bartolome, too, spoke of the importance of history, that of knowing our past, so we can chart our course for the future.  

Meanwhile, Fernando stressed the province’s recent accomplishments, including Bulacan’s Singkaban Festival winning the Most Outstanding Festival (Province/Freeport Zone Category) award, and its SINEliksik Bulacan Pamana Pass earning the Most Outstanding Heritage and Cultural Program Award for the 2025 Tourism Recognition for Enterprises and Stakeholders (TRES) Awards. 

He said that Bulacan was recently included in the list of the World Travel Index as the fourth safest place to visit in the Philippines.

Despite the rain, the celebration went outside the city halls after the opening ceremonies, where the city was filled with people lining the streets for the Parada ng Karosa and the 3rd Marching Band Competition parade. 

Fernando also presided over the “ribbon-cutting” ceremony of the Singkaban Trade Fair 2026, Singkaban ng Bayan Bulacan Tourism and Travel Fair 2026 and Mga Kulay ng Pag-asa Art Exhibit, which will run until Sept. 15.