Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson (center) at the opening of the 29th Sinigayan Festival with Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, Board Member Jose Benito Alonso, Sagay Mayor Narciso Javelosa and Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva (l-r)*
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded Sagay City’s “collective excellence in governance” and urged Sagaynons to be hopeful and helpful in making it more progressive, during the opening program of the 29th Sinigayan Festival at the City Public Plaza, on Saturday, March 15.
Lacson, who was the guest speaker at the event, said that Sagay City’s consistent recognition as a Seal of Good Local Governance awardee from Department of Interior and Local Government is a testament of the good governance practices in the city.
“Sagay’s consistent recognition as a SGLG awardee, one of the highest distinctions given by DILG, speaks volumes of your collective excellence in governance”, Lacson said.
He also lauded the leadership of Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District) , Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. and Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva for their “capable hands” to lead Sagay and the 2nd district of the province.
The festival theme for this year is “Moving Onward in Harmony”, which the governor said reflects the resilience and unity that have driven the progress of the city over the years.
He also urged the everyone to always think of ways of how they can help the province to ensure peace and progress.
The program was attended by the city officials of Sagay City, together with Rep. Marañon, Sinigayan Foundation President Primitivo Rivera, heads of various national government agencies, uniformed personnel, among others, a press release from Sagay City said.
A parade of students, teachers, and stakeholders from various sectors, socio-civic organizations, and business establishments was also held to kick-off this “festival of many causes”, from Sagay National High School to the plaza.
In his speech, Marañon said that as Sagay is now in the crossroads of a significant milestone, which is a year away from marking three decades of the festival.
“For generations, Sagay has been renowned for its unwavering unity”, he said, adding “We showcased this strength during our arduous journey towards achieving cityhood, surviving the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other hurdles and we continue to demonstrate it as we forge ahead with impactful development and economic growth”.
Javelosa also said that the festival is also an opportunity to thank the Lord for the blessings and guidance year round, and to reflect and look towards a brighter future with hope and faith.
“This festival is a reflection of the spirit of kindness and unity, a celebration of diverse cultures and traditions, and avenue to discover talents within the community”, the mayor said.
After the opening program at the plaza, Lacson and the city officials also opened the festival villages including the Taliambong Food and Entertainment Village, Bugay-Sagay Agro-Aqua Festival Village, Dagway Sagay Village, and Livestock and Poultry Village.
Senator Imee Marcos also joined the opening of the festival villages and a gathering of barangay captains of the CASAMA (Cadiz City, Sagay, Manapla) district at Balay Kauswagan.*