ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The month-long celebration of Diyandi Festival in Iligan City commenced with a vibrant and culturally significant opening ceremony. 

The Higaonon people, known for their rich rituals and traditions, led the event with a Pagpananghid ritual, seeking blessings from the deity Magbabaya, marking the beginning of a successful and fruitful Diyandi Festival.

A Higaonon word that means "celebrate," Diyandi highlights how the tri-people Christians, Higaonon, and Maranaos harmoniously live together. This is also celebrated to honor Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of Iliganons.

"We must remember that this celebration would not be complete, without acknowledging the guardian spirits of our patron saint, St Michael as archangel, just as St. Michael fearlessly battled adversity, so, to the people of Iligan faces challenges, head on with courage and tenacity," said Jules Verne Padilla, chairperson of the Executive Management Board of Diyandi Festival.

Meanwhile, Mayor Frederick Siao emphasized the significance of the Diyandi Festival as a representation of the city's rich heritage and distinct talents.

"Kining Diyandi usa ka testamento usa ka rich heritage ug talagsaong nga talento sa atong katawhan. Mao kini ang panahon sa pag-celebrate sa nagkalain-laing ug ipakita ang atong unique quality that makes Iligan City truly exceptional [This Diyandi is a testament to our rich heritage and unique talents as a people. This is the time to celebrate our differences and showcase our unique qualities that make Iligan City truly exceptional]," he said.

The first ever cheerdancing competition was also held, wherein Barangay Tomas Cabili emerged as the champion, bagging the Best in Chant and Best in Costume awards. They won the grand prize of P50,000, along with an additional P3,000 for each minor award.

Meanwhile, Barangay Luinab placed first runner-up and won P30,000, while Barangay Upper Hinaplanon secured the second runner-up spot and was awarded P20,000.

Mara Jubelle Padilla from the Tibanga contingent highlighted the festival's positive impact, particularly in light of past pandemic challenges. She observed that the festival's lively atmosphere stands in contrast to the times when restrictions kept people indoors. Now, a vibrant and bustling energy has revitalized the community.

Meanwhile, other participants believe that the festival plays a vital role in preventing the younger generation from straying away from the right path.

"Unta mapadayan pa jud sya every year, para daghang participants nga mga kabatan-onan ngam uapil ani kay para dili bitaw mapadulong sa dili mao nga landas ang mga tao [I hope it continues to happen every year, so that many young people can participate in this, because it's a way to keep them from straying off the right path]," said Ian Cabusas, contingent from Upper Hinaplanon.

For Ace Vincent Luna of Barangay Tibanga, dancing is not just a performance but a form of self-expression. He believes that through their performances, they can convey their emotions and feelings to the audience.

During the opening salvo event, the candidates for Ms. Iligan, Diyandi King, Mr. Iligan Lanao del Norte, and Ms. Gay Iligan were introduced. The Fiero Fire Dancers, who were grand finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent, and Mariane Osabel, an Iliganon and the grand champion of The Clash on GMA-7, captivated the audience with their impressive performances. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)