• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ugyonan Festival of EB Magalona in Negros Occidental is back.
EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon said this year’s theme, “Sa Pag-ugyon, Ibalik ang Kasadya (In Unity, We Can Bring Back Happy Times),” highlights the progress of the town borne out of unity and hard work of Saraviahanon.
In a sense, the theme means a “renewal” of Ugyonan as this year’s edition marks the return of the festival in full swing after more than three years of stringent public policies and restrictions due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Malacon said.
With COVID-19 still around, he encouraged fiesta goers to observe minimum health protocols, such as wearing face masks, especially in crowded places, even if it is currently optional.
All of us are responsible enough. It’s in us on how to handle ourselves on our safety, the EB Magalona mayor stressed.
The highlights of the EB Magalona 34th Ugyonan Festival, in honor of the town’s patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker, will kick off today, and will run until May 1, fiesta day.
Malacon disclosed that almost all activities of the four-day Ugyonan celebrations are outdoors.
The local town police force have been augmented by 150 troopers from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 and PNP Special Action Force.
Not taking any chances in the security aspect, Malacon said policemen will be deployed in event areas to check for deadly weapons, as he stressed that the wearing of helmets is not allowed within the poblacion.
It will be star-studded fiesta, with Manila-based bands entertaining the public every night from April 28 to May 1. They will also be joined by Viva Hot Babes Maui Taylor and Katya Santos
The festival opens 9 a.m. today at the EB Magalona public plaza, with Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez as the guest of honor and speaker. Benitez served three terms as congressman of the Third District, where E. B. Magalona belongs.
Benitez will be formally introduced by Kagawad Matthew Louis Malacon, president of Barangay Kagawad Association of Saravia (BAKAS).
Performers at the opening program will include the E. B. Magalona Dance Community that bagged the championship trophy at the Pop Dance Competition of the 27th Panaad sa Negros Festival last week.
On the same day, the Serbisyo Caravan and Job Fair will also be held at the Public Plaza, in partnership between Public Employment Service Office (PESO) E. B. Magalona and Provincial PESO.
Thirteen local and four overseas companies will be at the Public Plaza ready to hire. Employers will be on-site and ready to interview applicants and hire on the spot. Meanwhile, clients can avail of various services from the one-stop-shop Serbisyo Caravan featuring government agencies like Pag-IBIG, SSS, NBI, PhilHealth, and PhilSys.
One of the festival highlights today is the Tumandok Night Dance Competition, dubbed “Indak sa Noventa,” The competition will feature 10 sectoral groups dancing to the popular music of the 1990s.
Repakol Band (formerly Siakol) will perform at the Public Plaza tonight.
On April 29, the Philippine National Police will hold a Caravan on License To Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) at the Public Plaza.
Other activities include Alumni Homecoming of E. B. Magalona National High School, with Manila band Yano performing in the evening of April 29.
Other events on the second day are Katilingban Day of St. Joseph the Worker Parish., 2nd Mayor Marvin Malacon Dart Tournament, and Saravia Speed Fest 201 Drag Race.
In the evening, the 10 candidates of the Lin-ay sang Ugyonan 2023 will hold their Talent Night at the Public Plaza starting 7 p.m.
On Sunday, April 30, to be simultaneously held starting 9 a.m. are Pa-Bingo Games at the Plaza, sponsored by 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, Dart Tournament at Ciano’s, Mobile Legends Tournament at Saravia Commercial Building, and Saravia Speed Fest 201 Drag Race in Barangay Gahit.
Also on Sunday are Zumba Competition at 2 p.m., Zumba Party at 4 p.m., Lin-ay sang Ugyonan 2023 Coronation Night, and Shamrock Band (sponsored by Cong. Kiko Benitez) at 10 p.m. –all at the Public Plaza.
On fiesta day, May 1 (Monday), there will be a Concelebrated Mass at the St. Joseph the Worker Parish at 8 a.m. Six clustered barangays will compete in the Street and Arena Dance Competition starting 2 p.m.
The festival will be capped with a “Reggae Night” at the Plaza starting 7 p.m. on May 1, top-billed by American reggae group Big Mountain, the band behind the remake of “Baby, I Love Your Way.” Other performers are Chocolate Factory and Cali Island.*
