• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
Barangay Igmaya-an was crowned overall champion at the 33rd Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival Street and Arena Dance Competition in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental on Sunday, February 8.
The contingent captivated judges and a packed audience at the municipal gymnasium, securing the championship trophy and a P50,000 cash prize. Barangay Igmaya-an also swept several special awards: Best in Kali/Arnis, Best in Costume, and Best in Concept.
In second place was Barangay Kumaliskis, which claimed the titles of Best in Unity Dance and Best in Street Dance, earning a runner-up trophy and P40,000. Barangay Bago placed third, receiving a runner-up trophy and P30,000.
Other notable awards included the Banner Competition, with Barangay Bago as champion, Barangay Bunga – second place, and Barangay Bagong Silang – third place. Most Discipline Award was received by Barangay Pinowayan.
The sunny Sunday afternoon event drew thousands of local spectators along the parade route and into the gymnasium. The festival also attracted international attention, with several tourists from Italy witnessing the vibrant competition for the first time in this municipality, known as the Summer Capital of Negros Occidental.
Officials present included DSB Mayor Nehemiah Joe de la Cruz, Vice Mayor Jujin Jewel Bandolon, Board Member Richard Julius Sablan, Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez, and Civil Defense Negros Island Region Director Donato Sermeno III.
The street dance competition, featuring seven barangay contingents, was the highlight of the municipality’s 43rd Founding Anniversary celebration, themed “DSB @ 43: Strong as a Tree.”*
