Maguindanao to stage maiden Sagayan Festival

By Danilo E. Doguiles

Sunday 5th of February 2012

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Red won’t be the color of Valentine’s Day in Maguindanao Province. Instead, it will be a beautiful mix of colors of the Muslim culture as the local government, private sector, and residents celebrate their first Sagayan Festival.

Organizers said the staging of the five-day Sagayan Festival, which will start on Friday, Feb. 10, is a move to boost this Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao province’s ecotourism.

It is also geared to promote a better image for Maguindanao.

Although all 32 towns of Maguindanao will be participating in the festival, all Sagayan activities will be held at the interim provincial government seat, Buluan town.

Raquel Magalona, overall festival coordinator, said the opening day would be highlighted by a civic parade, opening of the agri-trade fair and a grand kanduli and thanksgiving banquet.

At the kanduli, Muslim delicacies and dishes made from tilapia, one of Buluan town’s primary products will definitely be served.

Medical and veterinary services, livelihood trainings, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority demonstrations and social welfare services will also be given on Friday and will last until Feb. 14.

Other activities include Carabao race, horse fight, drum and lyre competition, rubber and palm oil technology forum and cultural presentations.

Saturday, Feb. 11 is exclusive to two important festival competitions such as Sayagan Dancing and Kulintang competion.

A street dance, a showdown and a tribute program will highlight Feb. 14.

Sagayan is a Muslim war dance traced from both Maguindanao and Maranao tribes. It depicts the steps of their hero Prince Batugan from wearing his armaments, the war he fought in, and his victory. Dancers carry a shield with shell noisemakers on one hand and a kris (double-bladed sword) on the other. (DED/PIA12)