Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded the “collective excellence in governance” of Sagay City and urged Sagaynons to be hopeful and helpful in making it more progressive.
Lacson, who was the guest speaker at the opening of the 29th Sinigayan Festival at Sagay Public Plaza March 15, said the City’s consistent recognition as a Seal of Good Local Governance awardee from the Department of the Interior and Local Government is a testament of the good governance practices in the city.
“Sagay’s consistent recognition as an SGLG awardee, one of the highest distinctions given by DILG, speaks volumes of your collective excellence in governance,” Lacson said.
He lauded the leadership of 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., and Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva for their “capable hands” in leading Sagay and the 2nd District of the province.
The festival theme for this year, “Moving Onward in Harmony”, reflects the resilience and unity that have driven the progress of the city over the years, the governor said.
He urged everyone to always think of ways to help the province ensure peace and progress, adding that the “bright tomorrow is always in our hands”.
The program was attended by city officials, together with Rep. Marañon, Sinigayan Foundation president Primitivo Rivera, heads of various national government agencies, and uniformed personnel, among others.
The parade, participated in by students, teachers, socio-civic organizations, and business establishments, kicked off this “festival of many causes”, from Sagay National High School to the plaza.
Marañon said that Sagay is now in the crossroads of significant milestone, which is a year away from marking three decades of the festival.
“For generations, Sagay has been renowned for its unwavering unity,” he said. “We showcased this strength during our arduous journey towards achieving cityhood, surviving the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other hurdles, and we continue to demonstrate it as we forge ahead with impactful development and economic growth.”
Javelosa said the festival is also an opportunity to thank the Lord for the blessings and guidance year-round, and to reflect and look towards a brighter future with hope and faith.
“This festival is a reflection of the spirit of kindness and unity, a celebration of diverse cultures and traditions, and an avenue to discover talents within the community,” the mayor said in a press release from the city.
After the opening program at the plaza, Lacson and the city officials also opened the festival villages, including the Taliambong Food and Entertainment Village, Bugay-Sagay Agro-Aqua Festival Village, Dagway Sagay Village, and Livestock and Poultry Village.
Senator Imee Marcos also graced the opening of the festival villages and joined the gathering of barangay captains of the CASAMA (Cadiz City, Sagay, Manapla) District at Balay Kauswagan.
A series of sports, cultural, and entertainment activities, meanwhile, are lined up from March 15 to 19, including the search for Sinigayan Queen on March 17, and the Saot para sa Dunang Manggad on March 19. ||
