The Sinigayan Festival schedule has been moved from March 15-19 to March 16–20 to give prominence to the feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Sagay City, Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva said.
Cueva explained that the adjustment allows the church to fully celebrate March 19, which is the feast day of St. Joseph, while the city government will hold the festival highlight on March 20, a press release from Sagay City said Friday, March 13.
“A fiesta is really a celebration of the Catholic Church, so this year we are giving March 19 to the church for whatever celebrations they have for St. Joseph,” Cueva said.
He added that the local government intends to continue this arrangement in the coming years so that the religious celebration and the civic festivities can both be given proper focus, and ensure that many people can attend as it falls during the weekends.
The mayor also said the 30th Sinigayan Festival will be celebrated in a simple and meaningful way, particularly in consideration of communities that were recently affected by flooding in several barangays weeks before the festival preparations.
Despite the situation, Cueva said the city government decided to proceed with the celebration as a way to bring the community together while keeping the festivities modest.
The festival’s highlight event, Sinigay sa Sagay: Saot Para sa Dunang Manggad, will take place on March 20 starting at 7 a.m., featuring five clusters performing along the main streets leading to the Sagay City Public Plaza.
Cueva said the street dancing competition will now be held in the morning, noting that for many years the event was traditionally conducted in the afternoon.
He said the change was made to protect the young dancers from the intense heat and allow them to perform better.
“We are starting earlier at 7 a.m. so the young people participating can perform well and avoid the high heat,” the mayor said, adding that the adjustment also aims to ensure the safety and comfort of the performers, most of whom are students.
Holding the street dancing in the morning will also allow the afternoon and evening to transition into street party activities and the People’s Night celebration.
The evening highlight on March 20 will be People’s Night at the Sagay National High School football grounds, which will feature a special performance by OPM icon Ely Buendia.
Cueva also said Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching Division Jerome Buenviaje will be the guest speaker for the festival’s opening program.
Festival activities from March 16 to 20 will feature a series of cultural, religious, agricultural, and entertainment events across the city.
The festival will open on March 16, 8 a.m. with the grand opening parade and program, along with the opening of the festival villages and agricultural exhibits.
Activities on March 17 include youth competitions, traditional games, agricultural seminars, and community performances.
On March 18, the city will host the Sinigayan Queen 2026 coronation night, various livestock and poultry activities, seminars for farmers, and cultural demonstrations.
March 19 will be highlighted by religious and civic activities, including the pontifical concelebrated mass for the feast of St. Joseph, the grand foot procession, and community programs throughout the city.
The celebration will culminate on March 20 with the street dancing competition, festival exhibits, live band performances, and the People’s Night concert.
The mayor also highlighted the presence of several festival villages, including the OTOP Showroom, Taliambong Food and Entertainment Village, LR Fair 2026, Bugay Sagay Agro-Aqua Festival Village, Dagway Sagay Village, and the Livestock and Poultry Village, which will showcase the city’s local products, agriculture, culture, and creative industries.
Cueva said the festival’s theme, “We Learn. We Live. We Love.”, reflects the values of community, shared experiences, and unity that define Sagay City.
“It will be a beautiful week for Sagaynons and visitors to celebrate our culture, our faith, and our community”, he added.*
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