Kasanggayahan 2024 kicks off in Sorsogon

Senate President Chiz Escudero, First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos and Sorsogon Gov. Edwin Hamor watch the performance of various groups competing in this year’s Kasanggayahan Festival, held at the newly-opened Sorsogon Sports Complex last October 14. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Participants from all over the country took part in this year’s National Festival of Festivals in Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos was main guest at the event that was held at the new Sorsogon Sports Complex in the city.

In a short message, Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero thanked the first lady for attending the event and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his support to the annual competition.

“Who would have thought we will have this kind of arena?” said Escudero, who was governor of Sorsogon from 2019 to 2022.

The Kasanggayahan Festival is the biggest in the province and one of the highlights of annual festivities is the National Festival of Festivals Competition.

Contingents from all over the country presented performances that highlighted their unique cultures and traditions.

As announced by the first lady, President Marcos provided an additional P1 million each to the top three prizes, bringing the total amounts to P4 million for first place, P3 million for second place, and P2 million for third place.

Sorsogon is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Kasanggayahan Festival coinciding with the 130th founding anniversary of the province.

“We thank our beloved President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos,” Escudero said.

Before the competition, Sorsoganons were treated to a concert that featured some of the country’s top artists including Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Gudicelli and Bamboo.