Mindanaotoday.com | San Juan sa Hibok-Hibok 2022 drums up festive vibe in Camiguin
By: Recthie Paculba
CAMIGUIN – After a two-year hiatus due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the provincial government of Camiguin brings festive vibe on the island through celebrating the San Juan sa Hibok-Hibok 2022, June 23-24.
“Finally, after two years, nagkaing-ani na pud ta nga activity, nga event. The past few weeks, the past months nagpista na ta, disco, party, karon Hibok-Hibokan. We work hard and strive nga mabalik nato sa kabibo og unsa kalingaw ug ka-enjoy ang atong mga activities and events as it was before the pandemic,” Rep. and Governor-elect Xavier Jesus Romualdo said.
Romualdo also thanked the cooperation of Camiguingnons in the Covid-19 vaccination program of the government where the province was able to record 85% herd immunity as of June 24.
To continue on holding festivities and gatherings in the province, he urged the locals to avail the booster shots offered free by the government.
‘San Juan sa Hibok-Hibok’ activities
The festival includes the conduct of the fluvial procession, and water sports competition such as the Baroto Race, Salbabida Race, Swimming Contest, Opok Contest ug Bamboo Boxing.
Keeping in mind the citizen’s responsbility for the environment, the provincial government also held the “Scubasurero” during the celebration.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Camiguin Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Mambajao Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), scuba divers, and other organizations take part in the said activity, which was still held at Lagundi Beach.
As for fostering wellness and camaraderie, the Inter-Agency Volleyball Tournament is held where the Local Government of Mambajao is hailed as the champion for the ladies’ category followed by PNP and Camiguin General Hospital (CGH) comes third. For the men’s category, the Provincial Capitol bagged the first place tailed by LGU Mamabajao and LGU Mahinog.
Basketball games for gays was also held during the festival where LGU Catarman bagged the first place followed by LGU Mambajao and LGU Mahinog.
Prior to the conduct of the games, players of the municipalities showcased their talents in a production number.
On empowering the youth, one of the festival’s highlights is the Mr. and Ms. Hibok-Hibokan 2022 where out of 24 candidates from different agencies, LGUs, and private businesses, Karl Michael Garcia and Maria Andrea Isabelle Dayao were able to bag the crowns.
“It’s very fun to see everyone gathering like this again, celebrating our annual fiesta celebrations like this again and I hope everyone will have fun, clean fun for all of us,” Mambajao Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo said. (RTP | PIA-10 | Camiguin)
###