THE Municipality of Tabogon in northern Cebu has revived the Sanggi Festival by holding it this year after years of hiatus due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The festival was held on May 20, 2023 and tourism and local government officials expressed satisfaction with the revival.
Sanggi was celebrated during Tabogon's fiesta in 2013 during the time of the late mayor Eusebio Dungog. It, however, was replaced by Pausbaw Festival.
Tabogon Mayor Francis Salimbangon said Sanggi Festival revolves around the concept of harvest, encompassing the realms of education, business, fishing, and agriculture. It celebrates the fruits of the diligent labors of the people of Tabogon.
"Amo gi revive ang Sanggi Festival kay mao man ang gusto ni Governor Gwen Garcia nga ang culture maibalik sa mga kabatan-onan, dapat maibalik ang tradition," he said in an interview on Saturday, May 20.
(We revived the Sanggi Festival because Governor Gwen Garcia believes it is necessary to reintroduce the culture and tradition to the younger generation.)
Garcia witnessed Saturday's festival and extended her congratulations to Salimbangon for the successful fiesta celebration.
"I am delighted to express that I consistently advocate for all towns and cities to create their own festivals that reflect the unique identity of their community. Further, I am confident that the events that took place today were in preparation of the esteemed Pasigarbo sa Sugbo festival" she said.
The Sanggi Festival was also held as a tribute to San Isidro Labrador, the town's patron saint.
The Municipal Government had allocated around P2.7 million for the festival. Garcia has provided Tabogon P1.5 million as the Province's contribution. (Mary Francis Lynn Caayon, contributor)