PADIGOSAN FESTIVAL: “RELISHING AND CELEBRATING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE”

On July 19, 2019, the City of Digos celebrated Padigosan Festival 2019. Each year, the city celebrates the day which it transitioned from a municipality to a city. This year’s theme revolved around “Relishing and Celebrating our Cultural Heritage.” In conjunction with honoring the traditional tribal heritage of Digos City, the celebration began with Tribal Exhibits at both Gaisano Mall of Digos and Gaisano Grand Mall of Digos in Digos City. These exhibits featured traditional wear on display from the four major tribes originating from the Digos City are: Bagobo, Kalagan, Tagacaulo, B’laan. In the evening, a short presentation of tribal dances using traditional musical instruments occurred for the public in the malls.

On Thursday, July 18, 2019, The City had begun the official two-day celebration for the Padigosan Festival with the Indigenous People Day (IP Day). IP Day was dedicated entirely to showcasing, celebrating, and appreciating the Indigenous People of Digos That still celebrate their tribal heritage every day. The day began with an opening program in Rizal Park consisting of welcoming remarks and messages from chieftains and government officials such as Digos City Mayor Josef F. Cagas, Datu Ernesto B. Salaysay (IMPR), Engr Indelesio A. Diano (Provincial Officer), Datu Rogelio B. Manapol (Provincial Tribal Chieftain), Chieftain Bai Norma O. Rivera (PMR), Celso B. Salaysay. Following their respective remarks, newly elected Mayor Josef F. Cagas Partaken in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the tribal exhibit at Gaisano Grand Mall of Digos to officiate the start of the Padigosan Festival. During lunch time, there was a showcase of Bagobo and Kalagan Cuisines in Rizal Park. The Rest of the Day included competitions between the different tribes through pageantry in Bia ka Digos or “Princess of Digos, Tribalympics,’ and presentations of Indigenous Peoples cultural and traditional dances. The night ended with performances by the Digos City band and the JFC band – a special treat from the Office of the City Mayor for its constituents. A visiting OFW who was present for the Padigosan Festival said “I am very thankful na nakaexperience dyud ko ani – it was a beautiful showcase of our cultural heritage and daghan salamat kay na include ko and ang younger generation pud. This is a Great way to celebrate tradition and educate not just the youth but also my generation na parang nakalimot na about our heritage.

The special day of the Padigosan Festival began with a celebratory parade featuring the City Mayor Josef F. Cagas, Vice Mayor Johari Bana, City Counselors, Barangay Officials, Tribe Chieftains and Indigenous People, Government Employees, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Another opening program followed suit with messages from government officials including Mayor Josef F. Cagas, Governor Douglas “Dodo” Ra. Cagas, Congresswoman Mercedes “Didi” Cagas, Vice Governor Marc Douglas C. Cagas IV, Tourism Head Region IX Tanya Rabat Tan, Guest Speaker and Assistant Secretary to Senator “Bong Go” Atty. Nathaniel Dalumpines, and City Vice Mayor Atty. Johari Bana. Theday of the festival featured “Sayaw Padigosan,” a dance competition between Digos City Schools. There was also a Spoken Poetry Competition that mixed contemporary talent with the celebration of traditional culture. In the evening, the teachers of several Schools in Digos had the opportunity to compete in the “Sayaw Kultura Teachers Category: which embodied dances inspired by Tribes of Digos. The night ended with a celebration of winners and prizes, the traditional heritage revived by the festival and not one, or two, but three band performances courtesy of the Office of the City Mayor! One audience member said “Ganahan dyud ko maminaw aning mga banda. Gwapo dyud ni para sa digos kay tanan – masking bata or tiguwang – maka enjoy dyud aning music.”

The City of Digos would like to thank the Office of the Mayor for hosting such an event, the City Tourism Officer Perla May D. Griffin and her staff for putting together an inspiring Festival, and Digoseños for participating in the celebration of Indigenous People and the heritage of Digos City. Daghan Salamat Digos!

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