Tandag City celebrates Charter Day
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- A wave of celebration and community pride swept through Tandag City as it marked its 18th Charter Day with a vibrant lineup of events from June 20 - 23.
It brought together residents, local officials, and guests in a shared spirit of unity and progress.
The festivities officially reopened on June 21 with high-energy activities including Zumbaruga, followed by the exciting KABYOG (Kabya ug Labyog) event at the picturesque Tandag City River. The day also featured cervical cancer services as part of the city’s health initiatives, including a basketball tournament, and the much-awaited Palistuhay and baton-twirling competitions, held at Rizal Park, showcasing the talents of local youth.
On June 22, the celebration’s formal opening took place with several key highlights:
- Banyak Tandag, a community bike ride promoting health and environmental awareness;
- Misa Pasalamat, a thanksgiving mass to honor the city’s journey;
- Serbisyo Kalandrakas, a convergence of government services brought closer to the people;
- SINUGDA’N (Sinugbahay sa Dan), a lively street barbecue gathering;
- LGU and Barangay Night, recognizing the dedication and service of city and barangay officials and workers.
Another kick-off activity was the Karahikas, a vibrant and festive foot parade that showcased the creativity and pride of various sectors and barangays. This was followed by the official Charter Day Program, which reflected on Tandag’s milestones since its cityhood.A major cultural highlight of the day was the “12th LAGUBOH Festival”, a spirited showdown of performances from elementary and secondary schools, celebrating the city’s artistic heritage and youthful energy.
The celebration concluded with an electrifying evening with celebrities at the Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. Boulevard, featuring performances by Ruru Madrid, Alexa Ilacad, Magnus Haven, and Sweet Notes, capped by a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the skies in honor of the city’s progress.
In her Charter Day message, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel urged residents to carry forward the values that have shaped Tandag’s development:
“As we celebrate our 18th Charter Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the values that define us--unity, integrity, service, and compassion. Together, we can overcome challenges, seize new opportunities, and work hand-in-hand to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Tandag City.”
Tandag’s 18th Charter Day celebration stood as a testament to its people’s enduring resilience, deep-rooted pride, and collective determination to shape a brighter future for the city they call home. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)