TACLOBAN CITY – After years of debate over cultural identity and representation, Calbayog City has formally institutionalized the ‘Hadang Festival’ as its official city festival, dropping the previously used ‘Sarakiki-Hadang’ branding.
The move was made official through Ordinance No. 2025-27-658, titled “An Ordinance Declaring the Hadang Festival as the Official Festival of Calbayog City, Instituting its Annual Celebration, and Providing Funds Therefor.”
The measure, sponsored by Councilor Florencio Enriquez, chair of the committee on tourism, culture, and the arts, was passed by the city council on August 27 and signed into law by Mayor Raymund Uy on September 1.
For years, the city had celebrated the Sarakiki Festival, later paired with Hadang in a hyphenated form, which many residents and cultural advocates criticized as blurring the distinct identity of Calbayog’s traditions. The new ordinance resolves this issue by giving Hadang exclusive recognition.
Councilor Enriquez explained that institutionalizing the festival will ensure its sustainability, authenticity, and fidelity to its cultural roots.
“We need this to protect the authenticity of our rituals and traditions related to the festival, so that we don’t stray away from the original historical and cultural roots we cherish,” Enriquez said.
Vice Mayor Rex Daguman added that granting Hadang legal status places it firmly in the city’s official calendar of activities, providing clearer direction in planning future celebrations. The move was endorsed by the City Arts and Culture Council, where both Mayor Uy and Vice Mayor Daguman underscored the importance of a thorough study to preserve the festival’s integrity.
The Hadang Festival traces its origins to pre-colonial Samareño rituals performed as offerings for bountiful harvests, protection from disasters, or safe journeys. The term “Hadang” comes from the Waray word for offering rituals to honor deities or spirits, usually expressed through dances mimicking birds and animals and accompanied by indigenous music.
The ordinance further notes that institutionalizing Hadang will preserve Calbayog’s cultural heritage, strengthen its tourism appeal, foster unity, and instill civic pride among its people.
This year’s adoption of Hadang as Calbayog’s sole official festival coincides with the city’s 133rd fiesta in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, its patroness, on September 8.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
