The 167th Annual Town Fiesta officially kicked off on Thursday, August 21, 2025, with the Opening Salvo held at the Municipal Plaza.
The festivities began with a short program featuring opening remarks by Vice Mayor Elver Ali B. Abucay. This was followed by a lively caravan along the processional road of Barangay Poblacion, showcasing the 18 candidates of Miss Haladaya 2025, accompanied by the Drum and Bugle Corps.
After the caravan, participants reconvened at the Municipal Plaza for the continuation of the Opening Salvo program. Mayor Gilbert M. Arrabis Jr. delivered an inspiring message highlighting the themes of unity and faith: “In unity there is strength; in faith, there’s hope.” Mayor Arrabis then formally declared the 167th Annual Town Fiesta officially open.
Each of the 18 Miss Haladaya candidates was formally introduced and sashed by their respective barangay captains, joined by Mayor Arrabis, Vice Mayor Abucay, Fiesta Execom President and SB Member Maria Bregidorietta Tancawan. The program also featured performances by Cebuano artists and the top three finalists of the Daanbantayan Hymn Writing competition.
Also present during the event were SB Member Marvi Loot-Pinos, SB Member Wendell Rosell, ABC Pres Mark Anthony Luche, SKF Pres Crystal Jo Rodrigo, SK officials, school heads, department heads, and barangay officials.
The program concluded with the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Agri-Fishery Trade Fair, where 18 barangays participated by showcasing and selling local products from their respective communities. The fair will run until August 25, 2025.
