Oroquieta City, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL—The 3rd Grand Perangat Festival lit up the Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletic Complex (MOPAC) Grounds in Oroquieta City, with a vibrant display of street dancing and dance showdown.

The festival, marking the 95th founding anniversary of Misamis Occidental, featured 9 contingents from across Mindanao competing for grand prizes in a colorful celebration of culture and community.

Governor Henry Oaminal led the event, which was graced by Senator Imee Marcos, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, and DOT Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao.

“This year’s grand Perangat Festival is an upscale version from last year’s festival, as we have opened the competition to contingents from outside the province of Misamis Occidental which is first time in the history of any festival in the province,’’ Governor Oaminal said.

The term “Perangat,” derived from the Subanen word for “progress,” reflects the province’s continued journey towards development and prosperity, in line with the “Asenso Misamis Occidental” vision.

Deputy Speaker Villar hailed the festival as a model of unity and cultural preservation, urging other regions to follow suit.

Senator Imee Marcos also congratulated the province for its growth and beautiful celebrations, noting how the Perangat Festival reflects not just the achievements of the past year, but also the bright future of Misamis Occidental.

“Dili lang ni usa ka celebration sa atong mga nahimo sa miaging tuig apan usa usab kini nga celebration sa mauswagon nga kaugmaon sa Misamis Occidental,’’ he announced.

Zamboanga Sibugay took home the championship in both the street dancing and dance showdown categories, winning a grand prize of P2.1 million. Other winners included Oroquieta City (P1.6M), Dipolog City (P1.1M), Misamis Occidental District I (P850K), and Misamis Occidental District II (P600K).

In an interview, Dr. Maria Agnes Rublico, President of Aim High College Inc., praised the leadership of Governor Oaminal, noting the province’s impressive progress.

“I would like to thank Governor Henry Oaminal for this activity. Because of this, we had the chance to showcase our schools. Misamis Occidental is now very progressive compared to before. You are truly living out your slogan Asenso Na, because you are in the right hands—leaders who genuinely care for the people. You are steadily reaching your goal of continuous improvement for the betterment of the community, year after year.”

Dave T. Urbano, dancer from Tangub City contingent, whose group participated in the competition, expressed gratitude for the support from local leaders, saying,” Wala mi ga expect sa among mga kauban ug dancers nga makuha mi ani nga kadaogan. Dako kaayo mig pasalamat kay Mayor Ben especially sa atong Working Governor Henry S. Oaminal sa iyang dakong tabang sa mga kabatan-onan dinhi sa Misamis Occidental.”

As the festivities wrapped up, the 3rd Grand Perangat Festival proved to be not just a celebration of the province’s rich culture, but also a testament to the spirit of unity and progress that defines Misamis Occidental, Asenso na. (SN/PGMO)