The municipality of Maribojoc marked its 166th foundation day Thursday with a day of thanksgiving that also commemorated the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that devastated the Bohol town’s heritage structures.
Called “Sumad sa Lungsod,” or “A Day of Thanksgiving,” the Oct. 15, 2026 celebration carried the theme “Maribojoc 166: Paghandum sa Kagahapon, Pagpasalamat sa Karon, Paglaum sa Kaugmaon,” which translates to “Remembering the Past, Giving Thanks for the Present, Hoping for the Future.”
The festivities began at 8 a.m. with a 15-minute noise barrage and siren, followed by a Holy Eucharistic celebration at Holy Cross Parish from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The church’s centuries-old stone facade and bell tower, which were damaged by the earthquake, appear on the event’s official invitation.
A grand parade through the poblacion streets followed from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Led by a Philippine National Police mobile unit and the foundation day banner, the procession included the drum and lyre corps of Santa Cruz Elementary School, Bayacabac Elementary School, Busao National High School and Pagnitoan National High School.
Participants from the municipality’s barangays marched in five clusters:
— Cluster 1: Punta Cruz, Guiwanon, Lagtangon, Bood and Dipatlong.
— Cluster 2: Jandig, Pagnitoan, San Isidro, Tinibgan and Candavid.
— Cluster 3: Poblacion, Bayacabac and Punsod.
— Cluster 4: Anislag, San Vicente, Lincod, Aliguay and San Roque.
— Cluster 5: Cabawan, Agahay, Busao and Toril.
Also joining the parade were the Saint Vincent Institute drum and lyre corps and faculty, the Department of Education’s Maribojoc office, the Women’s Federation, civil society organizations, the Maribojoc Drum and Bugle Corps, and local government employees and officials.
The morning program ran from 10 a.m. to noon at the DAEMCSC. It opened with the singing of the triple hymns, led by the AVP, and the recognition of participants.
Municipal Vice Mayor Emilio J. Castilla delivered the opening remarks. The LGU Dance Company performed an opening dance salvo before Mayor Jonathan L. Rojas delivered the State of the Municipal Address.
The Red Guardians performed an intermission number, followed by a drum and lyre corps showdown among Santa Cruz Elementary School, Bayacabac Elementary School, Busao National High School, Pagnitoan National High School, Saint Vincent Institute Inc. and the Maribojoc Drum and Bugle Corps. DepEd Maribojoc performed another intermission number.
A fellowship lunch was held from noon to 1 p.m.
The afternoon program, from 1 to 4 p.m., featured a quiz bee and a modern-contempo dance competition.
The quiz bee began with a reading of the mechanics, followed by the competition proper.
The Women’s Federation performed an intermission number before the modern-contempo mechanics and guidelines were read and the board of judges was introduced.
Certificates were given to the participants, coaches and judges. Winners of the inter-agency league and quiz bee were awarded, and the winners of the modern-contempo dance contest were proclaimed and awarded. The program ended with a photo opportunity and closing remarks.
Arnulfo D. Turco Jr. and Ingrid Ena Gay G. Hibaya served as hosts.