City and provincial officials led the opening ceremonies March 16 for the seven festival villages and sites that showcase Sagay’s local products, agriculture, arts, and community enterprises.
The Taliambong Food and Entertainment Village, Bugay-Sagay Agro-Aqua Fair, Livestock and Poultry Village, and Dagway Sagay Art Village feature activities highlighting Sagay’s agriculture, arts and culture, food, and livelihood industries as part of the weeklong Sinigayan Festival celebration.
Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., and Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III led the opening of the festival villages together with members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, representatives of national government agencies, and local officials.
The inauguration of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Retail Store, formerly the Sagay Showroom, was also held at the Sagay public plaza. The facility features locally-produced goods and products from Sagay, and aims to promote the city’s micro and small enterprises.
The opening of the showroom was led by city consultant on Livelihood Agnes Marañon-Iida, together with representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, including DTI Negros Occidental director Joy Cardinal along with chief trade and industry development specialist Engiemar Tupas, and DTI representatives.
Cueva and Cardinal also signed a memorandum of agreement as they launch the OTOP Retail Store in Sagay, witnessed by city councilors.
The OTOP Retail Store will be managed by Marañon-Iida and was curated by visual merchandiser and designer Alirich Garcia.
Officials also opened the Sinigayan Garden Show at the Old Terminal, which features plant exhibits and landscaping displays prepared by local growers and gardening enthusiasts.
Another activity launched during the day was the Learning Resource (LR) Fair, hosted by the DepEd Sagay Library Hub, at the Old Division Office of the Department of Education in Sagay.
The opening of the fair was attended by schools division superintendent Dannie Clark Uguil, along with city officials and education sector representatives.
Cueva said the festival villages play an important role in highlighting Sagay’s local industries and community initiatives.
“These villages showcase the creativity, livelihood, and hard work of our people. They allow us to highlight the products and talents of Sagaynons while giving our communities the opportunity to participate in the celebration,” he said in a city press release March 17.
Throughout the weeklong festival, the villages will host various activities including cooking competitions, agricultural seminars, arts and cultural showcases, garden exhibits, food fairs, and community events featuring Sagay’s local produce and traditions.
The festival villages form part of the major activities lined up for the 30th Sinigayan Festival from March 16 to 20. ||
