The 2026 Paete-Ukit Taka Festival was officially launched with a Thanksgiving Mass held at the Parish of Saint James the Apostle, led by Rev. Fr. Edilberto Mesias.
Present were local officials, municipal staff, and Public Affairs Chief Luibic Jacob, who represented Governor Sol Aragones.
“The Provincial Government and Governor Sol will never cease to support, nurture, and enrich the culture, traditions, and treasures of our province.”
“The Provincial Government and Governor Sol will never cease to support, nurture, and enrich the culture, traditions, and treasures of our province — including the woodcarving and taka-making heritage here in Paete — as well as all other cultural and traditional treasures across Laguna,” Jacob said.
The program concluded with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Jacob together with Paete Mayor Ronald “Bokwet” Cosico.
“We thank the Provincial Government and Governor Aragones for their continued support not only for the festival but for the entire town of Paete.”
Cosica expressed deep gratitude to the Provincial Government and to Aragones for their continued support not only for the festival but for the entire town of Paete.
Festivities ran from September 24 through September 27, featuring a series of activities prepared by the Municipal Government to honor the town and its celebrated woodcarving and taka-making culture.
“We will sustain and strengthen our commitment to value, develop, and further enrich the culture and traditions of our province — known not only across the nation but throughout the world,” Aragones stressed.
“The Provincial Government remains dedicated to supporting tourism, cultural preservation, and heritage programs in every municipality of Laguna,” the lady governor concluded.
