THE 119th Al Cinco de Noviembre celebration in Bago City was highlighted by various events, including the 2017 Sigabong sang mga Kanyon Competition, 9th Invitational Fancy Drill Competition, and Drum and Lyre Competition.
A civic-military parade participated by schools, organizations, government agencies, among others also draw a crowd during the commemoration.
In the 2017 Sigabong sang mga Kanyon, the merged Barangays of Balingasag and Poblacion emerged as the champion, besting 12 other merged barangays to a cash prize of P15,000.
Barangays Ma-ao and Mailum settled for second place with P10,000 cash while Barangays Dulao and Don Jorge Araneta placed third with P7,000.
The criteria for judging included are best re-enactment of the Al Cinco revolution and the loudest sigabong of the cannons.
The event was sponsored by the City Tourism Office led by Senior Tourism Operations Officer Rosseni Mina and Balay ni Tan Juan Museum curator Clem del Castillo.
Also featured was the drum and lyre competition among the high schools and elementary schools in the Division of Bago City.
In the secondary schools category, Ramon Torres Malingin National High School was declared champion and received the Best Attire, Most Disciplined, and Best Marching Band special awards.
In the elementary level, Best Attire and Most Disciplined awards went to Ma. Rosario Araneta Elementary School while Bago City Elementary School was awarded in Best Marching Band.
Enriqueta Montilla de Esteban Memorial High School (EMEMHS) of Pulupandan was declared the overall champion of the 9th Invitational Fancy Drill Competition.
EMEMHS went home with the top prize of P20,000 in cash and a trophy. They were also adjudged Best in Production Number and Best in Street Performance.
Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) settled for first runner-up and Lopez Jaena National High School (LJNHS) of Murcia was awarded second runner-up.
NOHS, which received P15,000, was also chosen Best in Narration while LJNHS went home with P10,000.
Special awards were given to Bacolod City National High for Best in Uniform and Most Disciplined unit.
Juric Gequillana Jr., platoon leader of Southland College, was awarded Best Platoon Leader.
Each special award came with a cash prize of P3,000 each and a plaque of recognition.
The board of adjudicators from the Philippine Military Academy was led by Colonel Reynaldo Balido Jr.
Mayor Nicholas Yulo said the competition was designed to make the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and Citizens Army Training program in the province alive.
He added that the Bago fancy drill tilt also supports the policy of President Rodrigo Duterte to revive and strengthen the military training program to instill discipline and patriotism among the youth. (with reports from PR)