Anna Lyn R. Bernardo | Airam Ann D. Desepida | Celin V. Mejia
This research analyzed the community involvement in Anilag Festival in Sta Cruz, Laguna. Specifically, it investigated the activities of Anilag festival 2017, the nature of people’s involvement, their attendance, and the community challenges encountered throughout the event as raised by the Laguna Tourism, Culture, Arts and Trade Office (LTCATO). The researchers used the descriptive research design with mixed method approach. Data were obtained through an interview with the ten key informants. The researchers discovered that all the activities of Anilag festival were successfully executed with high participation of the locals of Sta. Cruz. Through the festival, the community gained self-satisfaction, knowledge, community recognition, social network and financial advantage. However, the festival had also some negative effects on the vicinity when the management fell short of strictly implementing the rules and regulations. As recommended, the LTCATO should improve their management of the program of activities and must encourage all the municipalities and cities of Laguna to join Anilag festival. The locals of Sta. Cruz must continue being supportive and cooperative to make the annual festival a success.