Saulog Festival showcases culture, resilience in Tagbilaran City

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — The Saulog Festival celebration here on Sunday showcased performances rooted in faith, history, and local identity in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, drawing residents and visitors to the annual event.

Fifteen barangays took part in this year’s street dance and ritual showdown despite challenges brought by a global fuel crisis and rising travel costs.

The festival also marks the start of the May fiesta season across Bohol, when communities pay tribute to their patron saints. This year, however, it carried added significance.

Mayor Jane Yap said the city opted to proceed with the event even as some activities were postponed due to the energy situation.

“Saulog Tagbilaran is a celebration of our faith, culture, and identity as Tagbilaranons,” Yap said.

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Income boost

She added, “We chose to continue this major highlight because it supports our local businesses and gives our people a reason to come together in hope and solidarity.”

According to Yap, the festival was expected to boost income for vendors, transport operators, and small businesses.

The street dancing competition began at Plaza Rizal, passed through C.P. Garcia Avenue, and culminated at CPG Sports Complex for the ritual showdown.

For many, Saulog is more than a spectacle; it is a source of livelihood. Vendors, transport operators, and small enterprises saw opportunities amid adversity, as the influx of crowds translated into income.

In a time when global events ripple through local economies, the festival served as a buffer—however temporary—against uncertainty.

Tribu Maabi-abihon of Poblacion 3 was named grand champion, receiving P300,000 in cash, a trophy, and development projects worth P8 million pledged by the city government and Rep. Baba Yap.

Second place went to Tribu D’Mansasamazing of Mansasa, followed by Tribu Ubujanon of Ubujan in third place. Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Cogonanon of Cogon placed fourth, while Tribu Tiptipanon of Tiptip finished fifth.

In the street dancing category, Tribu Tiptipanon emerged as champion, followed by Tribu D’Mansasamazing and Tribu Dampasanong Hiyas. /cb