Dinagat Islands celebrates unity, resilience through Bugkosan sa Isla Festival
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The streets of San Jose town in Dinagat Islands were jam-packed with enthusiastic spectators, both locals and tourists, as the province turned vivid, vivacious and vibrant with colors, costumes, parade, music and meaningful engagements, during this year’s ‘Bugkosan sa Isla Festival’ from September 27 to October 3.
‘Bugkosan sa Isla’ which for locals meant to unite or bind together the island is the charter day celebration of Dinagat Islands through Republic Act No. 9355, symbolizing solidarity of its seven resilient towns namely—Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto, San Jose, and Tubajon.
Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. emphasized that the Bugkosan sa Isla is not just an event, it is a living testament to the unity, resilience and cultural pride of every Dinagatnon.
“This annual festivity is a reminder that when we come together, we create something greater than ourselves,” Gov. Demerey said. “This milestone marks the unwavering spirit that continues to bind us together as one people, one province and one vision.”
The governor who delivered his State of the Province Address, reflected on the significant accomplishments, progress and the vision that continue to move the province forward. “United, as one province, we will continue to drive Dinagat Islands forward, transforming challenges into opportunities.”
He underscored the 1,058 total programs, projects and activities implemented from 2022 to current year amounting to P4.8 billion, including the P85,037,264.49 scholarship assistance for Don Jose Ecleo Memorial College and others; P2.5 million financial assistance for Dinagatnon college students enrolled in state universities in the Caraga region such as Surigao del Norte State University and Caraga State University; 843 seasonal workers were sent to South Korea, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Italy who earned a monthly income from P60,000 – P100,000; P25,060,050 honorarium for the barangay health workers, among others.
Spearheaded by the provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Dinagat Islands Tourism and Culture Office, the weeklong celebration was overwhelmed with lined-up engagements highlighting the graceful dancers from the seven municipalities of the province as they delivered their stories of unity and resilience with melody, prowess and vitality through the street and stationary dance competitions, in which Lumad Kagjawnon from the municipality of Cagdianao was hailed as this year’s stationary dance competition winner, while the Tribu Kamanting of San Jose town won the street dancing competition.
It was also an opportunity for Congressional Representative Arlene ‘Kaka’ J. Bag-ao to report to the people of the Dinagat Islands her first 100 days of accomplishments, serving as a milestone of service, transparency and commitment.
“What we have achieved in just 100 days is proof that when we work together- when people, communities and government stand side by side – we can begin to turn aspirations into reality. These victories are not mine alone, but of every Dinagatnon who continues to believe that genuine change is possible when citizens are given the space to lead, participate and hold their government accountable.”
The crowd also had the chance to taste the ‘Flavors of Dinagat Islands’ as local cuisine and delicacies were showcased through a ‘boodle fight’ competition where different government agencies and organizations presented their most palatable and enticing big pile of food served on a table and everyone had the chance to eat with their hands where the Department of Education was declared as the champion.
Other engagements include the Search for Binibining Dinagat Islands, Agri-Fishery Trade Fair, tribute to the mother of the province Glenda B. Ecleo, service caravan, games and concerts.
For this year, the Bugkosan sa Isla Festival raised the bar as the Province of Dinagat Islands continues to open its doors and showcase to the world its ‘islamazing’ people, destinations, culture, stories and triumphs to once known as the mystical island province of the country. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)