UNITY AND COLLABORATION: City of Naga savors big win in Pasigarbo sa Sugbo

Local

The City of Naga bested 50 other contingents to win the grand ritual showdown of last Sunday’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, and for Mayor Valdemar Chiong, the keys to winning were simple.

“Unity and coordination,” said Chiong, who heaped praises on the people who helped Dagitab Festival win the award.

“All the effort goes to the children and the unwavering support of the parents, who never held back during their practice sessions. We are truly grateful," he said in an interview during the awarding ceremony on Monday, August 26.

Chiong highlighted that their win was a product of collaboration among various stakeholders, including different departments within the city government.

He also emphasized that all barangay captains coordinated effectively to support the Dagitab Festival’s participation in Pasigarbo while school administrators allowed students to have ample time to practice their dance routines.

The city's Dagitab Festival won P5 million in cash after winning the grand ritual showdown of Pasigarbo, which concluded early Monday at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

Minglanilla's Sugat Kabanhawan Festival, last year's grand champion, secured the second spot with a P4 million cash prize, and Lapu-Lapu City’s debut performance as a competitor representing Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu placed third, winning P3 million.

Chiong noted that the annual celebration of the Dagitab Festival in December serves as a benchmark for the city's progress over the years, which is reflected in each carefully practiced routine.

He added that winning Pasigarbo sa Sugbo will make this year’s Dagitab Festival even more meaningful.

Chiong also admitted that he had hoped Pasigarbo sa

Sugbo would be held in his hometown, Naga, as they were preparing for it, following Carcar City's hosting of the event last year, which is just two towns away from them.

"Well, I was expecting that this Pasigarbo sa Sugbo will be held in Naga, but it did not happen or did not push through but we were preparing for it," he added.

In 2023, Pasigarbo sa Sugbo was staged in Carcar for the first time, due to the closure of CCSC in May as part of preparations for the Palarong Pambansa, which took place in July this year.

Although the center was closed in May, the contractor responsible for renovations received the notice of award only in October that year, with work beginning in January 2024, necessitating the relocation of major events, including Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, known as the "Festival of Festivals of Cebu," is a major cultural event that showcases festivals from across the province. It is celebrated at the end of August as part of the province's founding anniversary.(MyTVCebu)