SAGUDAY, Quirino (PIA) - - This municipality has just celebrated its 64th founding anniversary and Pagay-Pagay festival on June 20-21, 2023 with the theme, "Panagdidinnanggay para iti Panagrang-ay iti Saguday."

The celebration commenced with a half-day mass blood donation program at the Lakas Bayan Center on June 19, 2023.

An ecumenical thanksgiving ceremony was held on June 20, 2023 at the Lakas Bayan Center and it was followed by the formal opening program featuring various entertainment activities and the Saguday Got Talent in the afternoon and Nak ti Saguday Cuture and Awards in tge evening.

The Agro-Industrial, Trade & Tourism and the Jobs Fair opened simultaneously at the Pamana Children's Park and Office of the Sangguniang Bayan respectively.

The official opening of the Fair was conducted through a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Local Government Unit of Saguday headed by Mayor Jerry M. Pagbilao and the Department of Trade and Industry represented by Jenny B. Diaz.

Mayor Pagbilao emphasized the importance of agriculture and tourism as key drivers of economic growth as he urged the Sagudayeños and all visitors to visit the fair and discover what Saguday can offer.

The trade fair showcased local goods and agricultural innovations from the farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans who displayed their products, ranging from fresh organic produce and home-made delicacies to handcrafted souvenirs and traditional crafts.

On the other hand, Schwarmagne Dilan of Rizal captured the Bb Saguday title in the beauty pageant and she will be representing Saguday in the Search for Bb Quirino in September.

The other winners in the Search were: May Ann Orilla of Sto. Tomas (First Runner-up) and Twinkle Verzosa of Dibul (Second Runner-up).

The grand parade, street dancing showdown, Laro ng Lahi, Salip ti Mannalon and Search for Miss Saguday highlighted the last day of the festival.

The inclusion of Watwat, a special celebration where the community gathered to eat, celebrate, and express gratitude for their collective blessings was an added attraction during the celebration.

As stated in the town's official Facebook Page, the act of eating served as a powerful demonstration of unity and appreciation, transcending social hierarchy and status.

"Remarkably, even our leaders and officials humbly queued alongside everyone, celebrated, and expressed gratitude for their collective blessings. This symbolic gesture not only emphasized our shared camaraderie but also highlighted the significance of preserving our cultural heritage and the values it represents," it was further stated. (TCB/PIA Quirino)