MindanaoToday.com | Magsaysay’s Niyogan Festival 2024 showcases community strength, tradition
MAGSAYSAY, Lanao del Norte – Celebrating the 28th Araw ng Magsaysay and the municipality’s 59th establishment anniversary, the community has once again come together for the Niyogan Festival on May 23.
Gov. Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo expressed her delight at the interior municipalities’ efforts to develop their towns, particularly highlighting the success of the festival in Magsaysay.
“I am very, very happy that our interior municipalities kay nakigkumpetensyahay na sa ilahang pag-develop sa ilahang mga lungsod. Just like what is happening now here in the municipality of Magsaysay,” she said.
(I am very, very happy that our interior municipalities are competing in the development of their towns. Just like what is happening now here in the municipality of Magsaysay.)
The three-week celebration featured various events and activities, culminating in the highly anticipated Niyogan Festival Showdown. Justine Jane Tariao, a participant from Baguiguicon, Magsaysay, shared her excitement about the festival. “Niapil ko ani para maka-experience pud ko og ingon ani nga festival nga nindot man diay muapil. Importante ang Niyogan Festival para mulambo pa gyud ang Magsaysay, para nindot siya tan-awon,” she said.
(I joined to experience this kind of festival, and it’s wonderful to participate. The Niyogan Festival is important for the growth of Magsaysay, making it a beautiful place to see.)
For his part, Mayor Haron Omar emphasized the significance of the festival and the development of the town’s main product, coconuts, saying they are finding ways to develop our coconut industry to provide a lucrative market for those who want to invest in Magsaysay.
BGen. Anthon Abrina, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, praised the community’s unity and dedication. “Ang ating sama-samang pagdiriwang ay nagpapakita ng ating lakas bilang isang masayang komunidad na puno ng pagmamahal sa bayan at pagtutulungan,” he said.
(Our joint celebration shows our strength as a joyful community full of patriotism and cooperation.)
Abrina added that for fifty-nine years, the people in Magsaysay have continued to promote peace, progress, and comfort. He also emphasized that their dedication to service and cooperation inspires everyone. “Let us set aside all the differences and misunderstandings; instead, we must unite for a common goal, which is to maintain a peaceful community that our future generations will value,” he said.
The Niyogan Festival Showdown was the festival’s highlight, with various schools competing in dance and cultural presentations. The event hailed Sergio Cerujales National High School as the winner, while Magsaysay National High School and Tambacon Integrated School secured first and second places, respectively.
Omar said the festival not only celebrated the rich culture and traditions of Magsaysay but also showcased the community’s potential and dedication to progress. (RTP/PIA-10)
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