The Barangay Paraiso-led contingent emerged as the biggest winner of this year’s Sinigay sa Sagay “Saot para sa Dunang Manggad”, after sweeping the grand champion title and most of the major awards during the competition March 20 in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
The “Himotadan ang Divinang Paraiso” tribe, composed of barangays Paraiso, Tadlong, Campo Himogaan, Baviera, and Colonia Divina, was the grand champion after delivering a performance centered on pawikan, or sea turtle, conservation.
The contingent also won the Best Streetdancing Costume, Best Saot sa Dunang Manggad Choreography, Best in Endurance, Best Choreographer, Best Designer, Best Visual Artist, Best in Props, and Best in Headdress awards.
Tribu Bumavira Uno placed first runner-up, while Famopuan Dos secured the second runner-up spot among the five-contingent competition.
“Base-ao del Jaena”, another participating contingent, received the Best in Upcycled Accessories award.
The competition was staged for the first time in the morning, with the arena performance held at the Sagay public plaza, while the street dancing started from Sagay National High School and passed through Ratsada sa Kalsada before culminating in front of James Innovation.
Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva said the performances reflected a collective commitment to environmental protection, more than artistic expression.
“It is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring bond between the Sagaynon heart and the blue waters that sustain us,” Cueva said in a city press release, adding that each performance represents a step forward in strengthening the city’s advocacy for marine conservation.
“For nearly 60 years, our marine conservation programs have been our legacy,” the mayor stressed.
Meanwhile, Ashlee Garcia Sibulan of “Famopuan Dos” was crowned Sinigay sa Sagay Hara 2026, while Clyd Dwyn Deslate of “Bumavira Uno” was named Hari 2026.
Sibulan also won Best Hara Costume, while Mcklein Hanz Villoso of Famopuan Dos was awarded Best Hari Costume.
Jenny Ibañez of Old Maluri Himog Bay was named Hara Advocate, while Deslate also received the Hari Advocate award.
The annual Saot sa Dunang Manggad highlights Sagay City’s identity as a coastal community, with each contingent presenting advocacy-driven performances focused on marine ecosystems, such as pawikan, mangroves, corals, and giant clams, inspired by the environmental initiative of former Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.
The streetdance also featured free face painting, sponsored by the Sagay Water District, at Taliambong Food and Entertainment Village, Sagay City Public Terminal, and SWD Office. ||
