A provincial board member is seeking a legislative inquiry into delays in releasing infrastructure project grants awarded as prizes to local government units that won in the annual Sandugo Festival.
Philippine Councilors League-Bohol Chapter President and Ex-Officio Board Member Joanha Cabalit-Initay raised the matter in a privilege speech during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Vice Gov. Nicanor Besas presided, with Senior Board Member Tita Baja as floor leader.
Cabalit-Initay cited Loay Mayor Hilario Ayuban Jr.’s decision to halt the town’s participation through its Banay Loaynon contingent this year after four consecutive years of joining.
She said she was concerned about the prolonged delay in releasing the infrastructure project grants Loay earned as prizes for its performances in the Sandugo Street Dancing and Ritual Showdown in 2024, 2025 and 2026, according to Ayuban.
The grants are intended for projects such as farm-to-market roads, public markets and other community facilities and are especially important for towns with limited local income, she said.
Long delays could discourage other local governments from joining the festival and undermine its goals of promoting culture, unity and broad Boholano participation, Cabalit-Initay warned.
She acknowledged explanations from the provincial government and Ayuban that documentary and procedural requirements contributed to the delays.
Legislative action is still needed to identify administrative shortcomings and accelerate the release process, she said.
Cabalit-Initay described her speech as a constructive step toward good governance rather than criticism, emphasizing that efficient public service should benefit residents equally regardless of political affiliation.
The board referred the issue to the committees on tourism (as lead), culture and arts, and public works and highways for a joint inquiry.
The review is expected to examine guidelines for releasing festival prize grants, establish a clear timeline and standardize documentary requirements to prevent similar delays in future Sandugo Festivals.
Cabalit-Initay said her privilege speech was delayed because she had been attending official Philippine Councilors League events and was on official business.
The Sandugo Festival, held each July, commemorates the 1565 blood compact between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna.
In addition to cash prizes, participating contingents that place or win receive development projects from the provincial government.
Loay has been a consistent contender in recent years, including as first runner-up in 2024, when Mayor Ayuban publicly noted receipt of a P15 million peso project check for a road-improvement project.