The 30th Sinigayan Festival concluded on a generally peaceful note, with city officials highlighting strong coordination and community cooperation as key to the success of this year’s weeklong celebration on March 20, a press release from Sagay PIO said.
Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva said the milestone festival reflected unity among Sagaynons, citing the active participation of communities, organizers, and stakeholders throughout the activities.
“Madamo gid nga salamat. As the curtains fall on the 30th Sinigayan Festival, we look back with immense pride at a celebration that truly united us,” Cueva said.
He said the festival was defined by the cooperation of residents, with public spaces and festival villages becoming centers of activity while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
“It was a week that brought meaningful economic growth to our local businesses, all while maintaining a generally safe and welcoming environment for everyone,” he added.
Cueva also acknowledged favorable weather conditions and the efforts of personnel and volunteers behind the event.
“This milestone success belongs to the men and women who worked tirelessly behind the scenes,” he said, recognizing committees, barangay personnel, security teams, documentation team, technical staff, general services and city engineering, sanitation crews, medical responders, traffic teams, and youth volunteers.
Cueva also recognized the teachers and education staff from both public and private schools for their support and guidance to students who participated in various festival activities, especially during the major highlights, as they assisted in preparations, coordinated performances, and ensured the safety and discipline of their students throughout the celebration.
He also cited the contributions of artists, performers, and local producers in showcasing Sagay’s culture and resources.
The festival’s major highlight, Sinigay sa Sagay: Saot para sa Dunang Manggad, was held on March 20, featuring a morning streetdance and arena competition focused on marine conservation.
The competition saw Himotadan ang Divinang Paraiso emerge as grand champion, winning most of the major awards in the five-contingent field.
The celebration extended into the afternoon and evening through the merry making at Ratsada sa Kalsada at Nichols Aguilar Market Mall, where thousands gathered for music and street festivities.
The People’s Night concert later that evening drew an estimated 10,000 attendees at the Sagay National High School grounds, headlined by music icon Ely Buendia alongside guest performers.
Religious activities in honor of St. Joseph the Patriarch, the city’s patron saint, were also observed as part of the celebration, with masses, novena prayers, and church-led activities drawing devotees and families throughout the week, underscoring the spiritual significance of the fiesta alongside the cultural festivities.
The Sinigayan Queen 2026 coronation night was also among the highlights, with Jeatrice Joie Duro of Barangay Paraiso crowned as this year’s queen.
Other winners included Precious Angel Bajada of Old Sagay as Sinigayan Queen Tourism, Sofia Nicole Banola of Fabrica as Sinigayan Queen Charity, Mary Grace Chuatico of Vito as first princess, and Trisha Mae Caballos of Lopez Jaena as second princess.
Various activities were simultaneously held across the festival villages, including the Taliambong Food and Entertainment Village, Bugay Sagay Agro-Aqua Village, Livestock and Poultry Village, and Dagway Sagay Art Village, featuring competitions, exhibits, and community-based events.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Wally Afuang said the city’s mitigation and response strategies contributed to the orderly conduct of the festival.
“Regarding our risk reduction and response efforts, our collective mitigation plan proved highly effective, significantly minimizing casualties and preventing any untoward incidents,” Afuang said.
He added that the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) helped in emergency response.
Afuang also recognized the DRRMO, PCF, AEMSMDH, CHAS, and volunteer medical and rescue responders for their contributions.
Cueva said the 30th year of the Sinigayan Festival stands as a testament to Sagay’s culture, creativity, and shared identity.
“Thank you, Sagaynons, for an unforgettable celebration as we reach 30 years. Indeed we live, we learn and we love!” he added.*
