FINALLY! Danao gets support from Capitol for Karansa Festival

Local

“MURA mi og na discriminate.”

DANAO Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano said this on Friday, September 19, describing how the city had long felt overlooked by the provincial government.

But things have changed as the city finally received direct support from the Capitol under Governor Pamela Baricuatro, making this year’s Karansa Festival more significant.

“Puasa mi og siyam ka tuig. Karon tuiga na grasyahan jud. Bisag unsang hitaboa, murag na discriminate mi,” Durano said, noting that it has been years since a sitting governor last attended the city’s fiesta.

Durano said the city was left out during the time of former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Vice Mayor Carmen Remedios “Ivy” Durano confirmed that the provincial government has provided P3 million in financial assistance for the city’s month-long festivities.

Baricuatro will also serve as the special guest when the city celebrates the 45th Karansa Festival on Sunday, September 21.

The Karansa Festival, which began in the 1980s, celebrates Danao’s pottery tradition through its distinct dance steps.

Vice Mayor Durano explained that the four basic movements, including “kiay, kurug, karag, and karahay," represent the joy, resilience, and creativity of residents, while honoring the city’s cultural roots.

This year, ten contingents representing barangay clusters and school districts will compete in the street dancing, a grand showdown, and the Festival Queen contest.

She said competition offers P300,000 for the champion, P200,000 for second place, and P100,000 for third place for the performances.

The vice mayor added that preparations have been intensive, with contingents receiving subsidies and medical insurance.

Street dancing will kick off at 1 p.m., followed by the grand showdown and Festival Queen competition at 6 p.m. Thousands of locals and visitors are expected to join the festivities.

Mayor Durano also highlighted that aside from branding Danao as “Masidlakon” or shining, the city is also embracing “Mapahiyomon” or smiling, a theme that he said is being actively practiced among city hall employees and reflected in this year’s Karansa Festival.

The festival is part of a month-long celebration filled with nightly activities.

These include the Miss Danao 2025 pageant on Saturday, as well as a free concert by singer Rob Deniel on the same night, which is expected to draw large crowds.(MyTVCebu)