Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called the 25th Sinigayan Festival a symbol of courage and strength as Sagay City celebrated the event after two years of holding it off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on March 19 at the City Public Plaza.
Lacson, who served as the guest speaker of the festival, said in his speech that despite holding the event for only a day, the essence of the celebration remains meaningful in the hearts of the Sagaynons.
“The theme of the 25th Sinigayan Festival, ‘We Rise Together,’ serves as an inspiration to find courage and strength to fight and rise above these challenges amid the pandemic and other difficulties,” the governor said, adding “the essence and message of the celebration remain meaningful and priceless in the hearts of Sagaynons because it is centered on God’s mercy and immense blessings.”
The program started in the blessing and inauguration of the Sagay City Public Plaza and the opening of the “Produkto Sagaynon” Product Showroom and Visitor Center.
The newly-renovated plaza features a musical dancing fountain, children’s playground, enhanced food kiosks, health and fitness corner, new comfort rooms, and wider pavements.
Rev. Father Martin Maglayon, Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish was the officiating priest. Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer also graced the event together with Board Members Pal Guanzon and Samson Mirhan, Neg. Occ. 2nd District Representative Leo Rafael Cueva, Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III, Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa, Jr., Cadiz City Vice Mayor Lilia Decolongon, Manapla Vice Mayor Edgar Pagayonan, Sagay City Councilors and Punong Barangays, Department Heads, city employees, and representatives from various government agencies and offices.
After the blessing, the officials also unveiled the plaza marker then proceeded to the program at the newly-renovated Taliambong Activity Center which was highlighted by the governor and mayor’s speeches and the “Saot Para sa Dunang Manggad” of the Sinigayan Choreographers and Designers Association, the usual highlight of the Sinigayan Festival.
The NIPAC Dancers of the Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology also performed an interpretative dance to the tune of “Padayon Sagaynon” composed by Brian Ferraro for the Melody and Lyrics and Chaz Katalbaz and Erwin Carnaje for the Music and performed by the Sinigayn Kahoneros.
Mayor Marañon welcomed the guests and officials during the event. In his speech, he said that he is happy that the two top officials of Negros Occidental graced the event, adding that he is grateful for the overflowing blessings the Sagaynons received from God.
Before the blessing of the plaza, the city government in partnership with the Syano Artlink also launched the Sinigayan Visual Arts Competition.
Meanwhile, the Search for Sinigayan Queen was staged via the virtual platform. Jasmine Claire Pesquera of Barangy Vito was crowned Sinigayan Queen 2022; Sinigayan Queen Tourism – Rochelle Cabanyog – of Barangay Bulanon; Sinigayan Queen Charity – Queenie Kuan of Barangay Poblacion 2; First Princess – Maria Ericka Panganiban – Barangay Old Sagay; Second Princess – Mariane Bauya, Barangay Paraiso. Miss Congeniality – Mariane Bauya; Best in Production Number – Rochelle Cabanyog; Miss Photogenic – Ma. Ericka Panganiban; Best in Talent – Rochelle Cabanyog; Best in Festival Costume – Ma. Ericka Panganiban; Best in Swimsuit – Jasmine Claire Pesquera; Best in Gown Ma. Ericka Panganiban.
The Sinigayan Queen pageant was co-presented by Sagay Sigay Jaycees.*MRG
