The ceremonial launching of this year’s Sandugo Sa Bohol
season on May 8 at the Plaza Rizal has marked a new era for
Sandugo festival which celebrates the Boholano identity and
cultural heritage, with the theme “Celebrating Bohol and
Beyond.”
Under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, the
Provincial Government of Bohol has announced that this year’s
Sandugo sa Bohol will be staged differently.
The event will have a more inclusive approach for Boholanos,
with various activities being held in different parts of the
Province.
The Bohol Global Geopark advocacy will also be incorporated
to educate Boholanos on geoheritage and environmental
awareness.
This year marks the 458th anniversary of the historic Sandugo
between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish Conquistador Miguel
López de Legaspi. The two allied against the Ternate, a
Portuguese-backed state in the Moluccas (Spice Islands),
whose subjects had been raiding the coastal areas of Bohol.
The 2023 Sandugo sa Bohol will highlight local culture as the
essence of the celebration.
The aim is to culturally enrich Boholanos and help build a
sense of pride in heritage through various cultural activities.
These activities will take place in the month-long celebration
this July and will include six activity streams: Tabo (fairs and
expos), Bibo (festivals and pageantry), Tigi (sports and games),
Tapok (reunions and get-togethers), Sinati (family, faith, food,
fun, and fitness tours), and Atiman (outreach and humanitarian
missions).