(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY — Barangay 35-A, Pampango emerged as the grand champion of the Grand Santacruzan 2026, capping Tacloban City’s month-long celebration of one of its most enduring cultural and religious traditions held on Saturday, May 30.
The annual event, which honors the traditional search for the Holy Cross, brought together participating barangays in a vibrant procession showcasing faith, artistry, and community pride. Streets across the city were transformed into illuminated pathways filled with decorated arches, lanterns, and elegantly dressed sagalas, drawing large crowds of residents and visitors.
Beyond clinching the overall championship, Pampango also swept several major special awards, including Most Disciplined Barangay, Best in Lantern, Best in Sagala Arch, and Best in Reyna Elena Arch, underscoring its strong performance across multiple categories.
The Reyna Elena crown went to Barangay 83-B, Cogon, while Barangay 62-B, Sagkahan was named first runner-up. Barangay 35-A, Pampango also secured second runner-up honors in the competition.
Other top finishers included Barangay 100, San Roque as first runner-up; Barangay 43-B, Quarry as second runner-up; Barangay 83-B, Cogon, San Jose as third runner-up; and Barangay 65, Paseo de Legaspi as fourth runner-up.
Organizers said the Grand Santacruzan continues to serve as a celebration of Tacloban’s deep religious devotion while highlighting the creativity and unity of its communities. The event also plays a key role in preserving a centuries-old tradition that blends faith, culture, and local identity.
For many participants, the yearly procession is not only a competition but also an expression of gratitude and shared heritage that continues to be passed on to younger generations.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
