The first international treaty made by and between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna hundreds of years ago depicts a portion of who the Boholanos truly are: friendly, hospitable, and very welcoming.
This is part of the Boholanos’ real identity and its unique and rich culture and heritage.
As we celebrate the Sandugo Festival in these trying times, Vice Governor Rene Lopez Relampagos joins the Boholano community in commemorating the treaty of friendship with the hope of fostering stronger Boholano ties that will unite us together to face the challenges and survive in this pandemic.
Relampagos encourages everyone to strive for a positive change in the community by extending friendship and gratitude.
The Sandugo festival celebration paves the way towards reconnecting with Bohol’s rich culture, heritage, and religious roots.
Relampagos said this year’s festivity is done in a different but more meaningful way.
With the theme, “Mamugnaong Bohol alang sa kahimsog”, this year’s celebration calls for the Boholanos to look for new ways to strengthen the body, mind and soul. It further calls Boholanos to continuously face the challenges strongly by moving forward.
The Sandugo 2021 introduces a new way of coordination and cooperation to fully recover the health and welfare of the Boholanos.
Contrary to its previous celebrations in the past years, the Sandugo activities for this year are done through virtual province-wide presentations of the Sandugo festival and displaying the renowned Boholano creativity.
The month-long festivity is filled with activities and celebrations, including blood-letting activities in the different locations in the province, Dagohoy Day live streaming, exhibit of archived Sandugo winning photos, BMX bike exhibition, virtual concert of the Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, visual artists exhibit, food and crafts fair at the old airport, and opening of a historical exhibit.
The Sandugo festival in the new setting shows the province’s resilience amid the challenges encountered. Showcasing Boholano culture and its true identity is a confirmation that Bohol is not just a friendly province home to a rich and unique culture, traditions and artistry, but also Boholanos are determined individuals and possess the courage to conquer fears and challenges.
While the pandemic has restricted us in so many ways, yet, it cannot stop the Boholanos from chasing our dreams.