Duterte graces Tacloban’s Sangyaw Festival
TACLOBAN CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte attended Tacloban City's Sangyaw Festival of Lights on Friday, June 29 .
In his speech at the Balyuan Amphitheater, the president noted the resiliency of Taclobanons and underscored that the Sangyaw event is the perfect opportunity to showcase the religious heritage of the people and express their devotion to the Santo Niño.
“We not only safeguard our unique identity amid these changing times but also make development meaningful as we embrace the diversity of our society,” Duterte told the thousands of people who attended the event, culminating the city’s 129th fiesta celebration yesterday.
Duterte also lauded the remarkable progress of Tacloban, nearly five years after the devastation of Yolanda, saying: "The progress we see today is a testament of the resilience, unity, and hope of the Taclobanons, which have been tried and tested by various challenges faced in the past years. It will continue to be a vibrant and thriving local community in the region."
Tacloban Mayor Cristina Romualdez, along with Senator Cynthia Villar, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, former senator Bong Bong Marcos and former mayor Alfred Romualdez welcomed the president to the event.
Meanwhile, thousands of Taclobanons and visitors filled the city streets to witness Sangyaw’s 6th Parade of Lights, one of the highlights of the festival, participated by competing dance contingents, and floats.
Adjudged champion among the 15 dance contingents was Tribu Tarakluban of Barangay 67 in Anibong district, followed by Brgy. 49 of Youngfield, and San Jose Central School, in that order.
Britney Retuerto of Brgy. 67 was named Festival Oueen winner, while the Best in Street Dance winner was Brgy. 49 Youngfield, and Best in Musical Accompaniment was Brgy. 67 Anibong.
Best Float Design champion was Brgy. 35-A of Pampango, which featured Tacloban's known landmarks, while Catbalogan City's "Bamboo-inspired" float placed 2nd, and Brgy. 49 Youngfield at 3rd.