By CESAR JOLITO III
Sagay City’s 30th Sinigayan Festival officially opened at the public plaza yesterday, highlighting the role of culture, creativity and education in strengthening community identity.
Delivering the keynote message on behalf of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Assistant Secretary Jerome Buenviaje described festivals like Sinigayan as “living classrooms of culture and history” where communities reconnect with their roots while passing traditions on to younger generations.
Buenviaje said cultural celebrations help preserve heritage while nurturing creativity among students, noting that schools are increasingly integrating arts and culture into education through initiatives such as the National Festival of Talents and senior high school tracks in animation, digital arts, film, media, and design.
He also highlighted the growing contribution of the country’s creative sector, which government data shows generated about P1.94 trillion or 7.3 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, underscoring the role of Filipino creativity in both cultural preservation and economic development.
The 30th milestone festival began with a grand parade at 5:30 a.m. from Sagay National High School, drawing participation from city officials and employees, national government agencies, barangay leaders, civil society organizations, financial institutions, and schools.
Drum and lyre corps from various schools marched alongside festival floats carrying candidates for the Sinigayan Queen pageant, adding color and energy to the parade that signaled the start of the city’s annual cultural celebration.
Shared identity
In his welcome message, Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said the festival reflects the collective aspirations and shared identity of Sagaynons.
He emphasized the festival’s theme, “We Learn, We Live, We Love,” as a guiding principle for the community.
“Welcome to the grand opening of our Sinigayan Festival, a yearly celebration we all look forward to with enthusiasm as we build this inspiring theme — to learn, to live, to love,” Cueva said as he invited residents and visitors to take part in the festivities.
Negros Occidental 2nd District Representative Alfredo Marañon III said the theme reflects values that shape communities, explaining that learning helps guide progress, living with purpose strengthens society, and loving one’s community encourages the preservation of traditions.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Narciso “Narwin” Javelosa, Jr. described the festival as a celebration of the experiences and connections that bring Sagaynons together.
“As we celebrate this festival, may we learn in shared wisdom, live in every vibrant moment, and above all open our hearts to love — loving our city, our culture, and our neighbors,” Javelosa said.
Strengthening culture and unity
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said festivals such as Sinigayan play an important role in strengthening cultural pride across the province.
“Festivals like Sinigayan remind us how culture binds our communities together. They allow us to celebrate our heritage while strengthening the unity and pride of our people across Negros Occidental,” Lacson said.
For his part, Primitivo Rivera, Jr. said the festival continues to highlight Sagay’s coastal and agricultural heritage, reflecting the traditions and stories of the city’s people.
Buenviaje concluded that when young people are encouraged to explore the arts and creative industries, they gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and role in preserving it.
“Festivals like Sinigayan remind us that our stories, traditions and shared pride are not only memories of the past but foundations for the future,” he said./CJ, WDJ