CEBU β The Province of Cebu successfully staged "Halad sa Pagtuo 2026" on Saturday, August 29, bringing together communities from across the province in a grand celebration of faith, culture, and tradition. The event, held at the Cebu City Sports Center as part of Cebu's 457th Founding Anniversary, featured a colorful procession of carrozas and vibrant festival presentations.
A Celebration Reborn
Halad sa Pagtuo, which translates to "Offering of Faith," marked a significant shift in the province's cultural calendar. The event was rebranded this year to emphasize devotion over competition, placing prayer at the heart of the spectacle. Unlike previous festivals that pitted towns against each other, this celebration invited everyone to witness Cebuano traditions as living expressions of thanksgiving.
The evening began with a grand procession of carrozas carrying patron saints from across the province. This sacred parade was followed by a Holy Mass, setting a reverent tone for the festivities. The focus on spiritual significance transformed the event into a pilgrimage of culture and belief.
A Procession of Saints
A total of 50 carrozas bearing images of patron saints from the cities and municipalities of Cebu participated in the procession. Each carroza represented the deep-rooted faith of its community, adorned with flowers and lights. The display was a powerful reminder of the enduring Catholic heritage that binds the province together.
Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro joined the participating Pinamungajan LGU, her hometown, in the procession. She walked alongside the carroza bearing the image of its patron saint, Sta. Monica. This personal participation underscored her commitment to being with her people and honoring their traditions.
Seven Festivals, One Offering
At the heart of the celebration were seven distinctive Cebuano festival traditions, each telling a unique story of livelihood and heritage. Sinulog sa Carmen presented a dance of devotion to the Santo NiΓ±o. The Tuba Festival of Borbon honored its coconut farming roots, while Dumanjug's Bisnok Festival celebrated its famed native chicken.
The La Torta Festival of Argao showcased its rich baking and weaving traditions. Toledo City's Hinulawan Festival highlighted its industrial and mining heritage. The Dagitab Festival of Naga celebrated light and industry, and Carcar City's Kabkaban Festival danced through its storied past.
A Governor's Personal Devotion
For Governor Baricuatro, the celebration was an opportunity to honor the traditions that have shaped Cebu while expressing gratitude to the people who keep them alive. She described the event as a celebration of who Cebuanos areβtheir faith, culture, traditions, and shared love for the province.
The governor thanked the participating local government units, parishes, religious leaders, and the thousands of Cebuanos who took part. "Padayon ta, mga Sugboanon, sa pagtuo, paghiusa ug paghigugma sa atong Sugbo," she said. Her words resonated with the crowd, affirming the province's commitment to unity and faith.
An Evening of Music and Gratitude
Concert King Martin Nievera performed his timeless hits, adding star power to the celebration. His presence bridged the sacred and the celebratory, drawing cheers from the audience. The event expected to draw around 10,000 spectators, including local officials and the general public.
Admission was free, ensuring that this expression of faith and culture was accessible to all. Security personnel were deployed to ensure a safe and orderly celebration. The night concluded with a sense of shared joy and spiritual renewal.
