In line with the annual “Araw ng Marinduque” celebration every February 21, the province will mark its 105th reestablishment anniversary with a series of activities from February 20 to 23, 2025.
The celebration will feature key events, including the Baliktanaw sa Kasaysayan Forum, Isang Alab Torch Symbolic Lighting, State of the Province Address (SOPA), Pusomoto: Heart of the Island Circuit Motoring Adventure, Gawad Marinduqueño 2025, and the much-anticipated Festival of Festivals with a Float Parade.
This year’s theme, “Isang Alab, Isang Marinduque,” symbolizes the burning passion of every Marinduqueño for a sustainable and creative future. The activities are centered around this theme, emphasizing history, culture, economic progress, and community engagement.
The celebration begins on February 20 with “Baliktanaw sa Kasaysayan,” a historical forum featuring Prof. Patrich Henry Manguera, Asst. Prof. Emmanuel Jayson Bolata, and Dr. Michael Charleston Chua as panelists. The forum is expected to draw over 1,000 students from the Department of Education, Marinduque State University, and other higher education institutions in the province. Additionally, the day will feature the opening of the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair and the Isang Alab Torch Marathon.
On the anniversary itself, February 21, the Isang Alab Torch Symbolic Lighting will be held before the Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration, Wreath-Laying, and Flag-Raising Ceremony. The day's highlight is the State of the Province Address (SOPA) by Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr. and the Gawad Marinduqueño 2025, which recognizes outstanding individuals in various fields. Meanwhile, the Pusomoto: Heart of the Island Circuit Motoring Adventure will officially kick off, promoting tourism and adventure in the province.
The Gawad Marinduqueño 2025 will honor individuals and organizations excelling in public service, community service, law enforcement, education, culture and arts, development and social justice, business and entrepreneurship, farming and fisheries, and aquaculture. The awards were last given during the Centennial Celebration in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
On February 22, the Festival of Festivals and Float Parade will showcase the unique cultural heritage of Marinduque’s six towns, featuring the Gasang-Gasang Festival of Gasan, Torrijos Festival in Torrijos, Maalindog-Tubaan Festival in Buenavista, Kangga Festival of Mogpog, Seafood Festival in Santa Cruz, and Bila-Bila Festival of Boac. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display dubbed Alab Night, illuminating the skies of Marinduque in a grand spectacle.
On the final day, February 23, a Moto Exhibit will take place, followed by a province-wide motoring adventure, highlighting the island’s scenic landscapes and road networks.
As per Proclamation No. 798, s. 2025, Friday, February 21, has been declared a special (non-working) holiday in Marinduque to allow its people to fully participate in the festivities. The island province of Marinduque was officially separated from Tayabas (now Quezon Province) through Philippine Legislature Assembly Act No. 2880, which was approved on February 21, 1920.
As part of the Baliktanaw sa Kasaysayan Forum and Governor Velasco Jr.’s SOPA, a documentary film will be presented, exploring the political, economic, and cultural evolution of Marinduque since its reestablishment. This year’s Araw ng Marinduque aims to honor the province’s rich history while looking forward to a bright, creative, and sustainable future for all Marinduqueños.
