Higatangan Island Summer Festival in Naval Biliran, Philippines: An Impact Analysis

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the cultural and economic impact of the Higatangan island summer festival on the residents of Higatangan Island, Naval Biliran. The study used a descriptive correlation research design and utilized quota sampling to choose the study's participants. A total of 100 residents participated and answered the adopted research questionnaire. The data was processed and analyzed using frequency, percentage, and a weighted mean. To the relationship between cultural and economic impact were determined using Kruskal-Wallis H test using SPSSV20. The researchers identified that the Higatangan island summer festival has a significant economic and cultural impact on the community and the island. Indicated that respondents highly agree in both dimensions. The municipality of Naval may encourage active participation of the private sector, particularly small businesses, resort owners, tour operators, and food stalls, and offer them support in their business promotions by distributing or selling discount vouchers and coupons to residents and tourists, which would benefit the economy of the area.  It is recommended that in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and with the support of the Provincial Government, the local government unit develop aggressive promotional strategies for cultural activities such as festivals that are open to everyone, regardless of income or religion. The local government of the municipality can allocate budget for these types of events, such as festivals, to show the community how it culturally and economically benefits the community