The local government unit of San Joaquin has rolled out the official calendar of activities for its 116th municipal fiesta this month, anchored on the theme “Strengthening Dedicated Public Service: The Path to Sustainable Progress.”
Fiesta activities will kick off on January 12 with the traditional caravan of the image of Señor Santo Niño, setting the tone for a weeklong celebration rooted in faith and community solidarity. This will be followed by a Holy Mass, a fluvial procession, and a grand multi-sectoral parade, culminating in the opening program and the formal declaration of the fiesta’s opening.
Festivities will continue in the evening with Liga Night, featuring guest performer Noel Palomo of the band Siakol, alongside Repakol Band, providing live entertainment for residents and visitors. The same day will also feature the sashing of candidates for the town’s beauty and cultural pageant.
The LGU has also lined up various activities highlighting local talent, creativity, and livelihoods, including an Agro Fair, art exhibit, Mini Sounds Showdown, Elementary Day, and the Bayluhanay Festival.
The Bayluhanay Festival, the celebration’s centerpiece, is a vibrant cultural event that commemorates San Joaquin’s Malay heritage and ancestral roots. Through dance, rituals, and historical reenactments, the festival brings to life the ancient barter system—“baylo” in Hiligaynon—alongside performances that blend Aeta and Malay influences.
San Joaquin’s identity as a cultural and tourism destination is further underscored by the Pasungay, one of the town’s most anticipated attractions. Held every third Saturday of January, the Pasungay features traditional bull or carabao fights that draw large crowds eager to witness the raw display of strength and skill between the animals, making it a defining highlight of the fiesta.
Mayor Joe Abad Lazaro invited the public to take part in the festivities, emphasizing that the celebration goes beyond entertainment.
“We invite everyone to join us in witnessing and participating in the various activities that highlight devotion, promote our culture, and honor our traditions,” he said.
The San Joaquin fiesta continues to serve as a testament to the town’s enduring faith, rich heritage, and strong sense of community, drawing both locals and tourists into a shared celebration of history and progress.IMT
