MAGSAYSAY, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Amidst the vibrant beats of drums and the joyous cheers of the crowd, the Niyogan Festival made a triumphant return to Magsaysay, once again captivating the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike, May 23.

This eagerly awaited event, which took place after a three-year hiatus brought about by the pandemic, highlighted the town's abundant coconut production and its dedication to promoting the coconut industry for tourism.

The celebration coincided with the celebration of the 58th founding anniversary of the town.

Joyous showcase of talent, triumph, and teamwork

The festival kicked off with a stunning display of creativity, precision, and cultural pride in the Niyogan Festival competition, where 24 barangays of the town grouped into three clusters competed against contingents from the Department of Education and the local government unit.

With vibrant costumes, intricate choreography, and breathtaking performances, the participants showcased their dedication to their cultural heritage in a showdown competition. The contingents from the  DepEd emerged as the victors, capturing the hearts of the audience and leaving a lasting impression with their exceptional performance. The contingents from the LGU and Cluster 2 followed closely behind, proving their dedication to preserving the town's rich traditions.

The streets of Magsaysay came alive with an explosion of colors and energy during the street dancing competition. Contingents paraded through the town, dancing in perfect synchrony, as spectators were treated to a mesmerizing display of talent and cultural pride.

The rhythmic beats and the contagious enthusiasm of the dancers united the crowd in a joyous celebration. Contingents from LGU emerged as the victors in this category, their captivating performance leaving an indelible mark on the spectators' hearts. The DepEd and Cluster 3 also showcased their remarkable skills, securing second and third places, respectively.

Adding a touch of glamour and elegance to the festivities, the festival queen competition unfolded on the grand stage. Dressed in stunning traditional attire made from coconut parts, the candidates exuded grace and poise as they competed for the coveted crown.

The representative from the DepEd was crowned as the festival queen, while representatives from the LGU and Cluster 3 also dazzled the crowd with their charisma, securing their rightful places among the festival's royalty.

Gratitude in full bloom 

Mayor Haron D. Omar Sr. expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the visitors who flocked from different cities and provinces to witness the festival's grand celebration. He extended his thanks to the people of Magsaysay from various sectors, acknowledging their strong support that played a crucial role in making the event a resounding success.

"We are very grateful to all the visitors who came from various cities and provinces and witnessed the celebration. I also thank the people of Magsaysay from various sectors for their strong support to make this celebration a success," he said.

Thriving on cheers

The spirit of joy and excitement filled the air as participants in the festival expressed their gratitude and happiness at the revival of the much-anticipated event. Rey Cati-an, a member of the contingent from the DepEd, extended heartfelt appreciation to their trainer for the invaluable guidance and discipline that led them to success.

"Thanks to our trainer for the guidance and discipline. I'm happy because this competition and fun are back," he exclaimed with enthusiasm, reflecting the elation shared by all participants as they once again had the opportunity to showcase their skills and talent.

The festival not only brought back the competition but also reignited the sense of enjoyment and camaraderie that come with such events. Evecent Paul Bustillio, a member of the contingent from the LGU, expressed pleasant surprise at the sheer enjoyment the festival had provided.

"I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it has been. It's a great feeling to represent where a lot of people applaud you," he shared, echoing the sentiments of many participants who felt a renewed sense of pride and fulfillment in representing their respective groups. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)