Gov. Gwen Garcia urged mayors and choreographers involved in the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 to honor the roots of their respective festivals while pushing for creative growth.
“Spread your wings and fly; but ang goal niana is always to arrive where we started, kon unsa ang essence ana nga lungsod, ana nga dakbayan,” Gov. Gwen said during a general assembly with mayors and choreographers at the Capitol Social Hall on September 2.
Her message came as an observation of the changes adopted by the LGUs in this year’s festival showdown, particularly with respect to the festival jingles that are supposed to encapsulate the authenticity and identity of the respective towns and cities of Cebu.
Some LGUs, the Governor noted, changed their jingles in order to accommodate more modern choreography in their dance routines, which did not sit well with the Governor as it is a deviation of the essence of the Pasigarbo, which is a celebration of Cebu’s rich socio-cultural, historical, religious, and well-rooted traditions.
“We forgot the essence of your festival,” she said. “Please realize this because we have forgotten diin ta nagsugod. The jingle would define the choreography; now it’s the other way around nga ipahaom ang jingle sa choreography. We are losing a sense of perspective,” she added.
Gov. Gwen acknowledged that while she had challenged mayors to elevate their performances higher each year, but innovations should not come at the cost of losing the essence of the Cebuano festivals.
The Governor reiterated the need to strike a balance between innovation and tradition as Cebu looks to an even grander Pasigarbo sa Sugbo next year.
Known as the “Festival of Festivals” in Cebu Province, Pasigarbo sa Sugbo is an annual cultural event held every August in time for the Province’s founding anniversary celebration. It brings together the most impressive cultural festivals from all of Cebu’s component cities, municipalities, and highly urbanized cities in a festival showcase that has amassed a cult following among Cebuanos. | BJR