Himaya Festival Commences with Cultural Zeal and Unity

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Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, in the spirit of unity and tradition, marked the onset of its 4th Himaya Festival on Easter Sunday with an appeal from Mayor Raymund Tongson for the continuity of communal efforts and achievements.

During his address after the Holy Mass, Mayor Tongson urged elected officials and local government unit officers to persist in their commitment to the welfare of Himamaylan, emphasizing the role their collective actions have played in earning accolades for the city. These accolades include the Seal for Good Local Governance and the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit award.

“Recently, Himamaylan City was hailed the number one child-friendly LGU in the Philippines,” the mayor proudly stated, affirming the city’s potential to fulfill collective dreams and overcome challenges.

The commencement of the week-long Himaya Festival, which coincides with the city’s 23rd charter anniversary, was particularly auspicious as it fell on Easter Sunday, a day symbolizing renewal and hope.

Mayor Tongson also delighted festival attendees with news of an extended celebration, saying, “We have an extra night of festival highlights to look forward to.”

Week-long festivities

Tongson shared that festival-goers can look forward to an extra night of festival highlights.

“From the accustomed two nights of highlights, we have added another night so our fellow Himamaylanons and visitors can enjoy the festivities in the city,” he said.

Also on Sunday, the LGU recognized outstanding Himamaylanons during the Himaya Awards at the city hall.

The city honored 47 special awardees, top 5 real property taxpayers, top 5 corporate taxpayers, 4 licensure exam top notchers, and 3 national champions from various athletic and dance sports meets.

Himamaylan’s pride products were showcased at the opening of the Agri Trade Fair at the Brgy, I bridge, followed by the cooking contest of the most delicious delicacies using local products at 2 p.m. and a cultural show at 6 p.m.

The battle for third of the Inter-TODA Basketball tournament was held at the Brgy. I gym, 7 p.m.

Persons with disabilities competed in the 2^nd MRT Invitational Sitting Volleyball at the Brgy. I gym, on Tuesday,  April 2.

The Job Fair Plus which opens at 8 a.m. on April 3 at the city hall lobby will offer employment opportunities for jobseekers as well as free legal counseling and a Zumba session.

Himamaylan farmers affected by the dry spell will also receive checks from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation at the Agri Trade Fair site, at 1 p.m.

On the same day at the Brgy. 1 gym, pregnant women are invited to join the Buntis Day with caravan and the #ThroughTheYears Bishop concert.

The DepEd Day is set on April 4, at the Brgy. I gym with the Inter-barangay Basketball tournament battle for third set on the same day. The Farmer’s Forum at the Agri Trade Fare site starts at 1 p.m.

At the city hall grounds, the Shake & Sweat Fitness Party, Himamaylan’s Invitational Zumbavaganza will start at 4 p.m.

Festival highlights

The day one of the festival highlights, April 5, will start with the Civic Action (CIVAC) free medical mission will be held at Himamaylan National Nigh School, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Sectoral Day will also be held at the Brgy. I gym in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Agri Trade Fair Cooperative activity will begin at 1 p.m., Brgy. I bridge.

At 6 p.m., the new Himaya Queen will be crowned at the Brgy. 1 gym, marking the start of the three-day festival highlights .

The first day of the highlights continues with OPM legend Parokya ni Edgar for #RakrakanSaMaylan, 10 to 11 p.m. at the Himamaylan NHS field. An after-party will cap off Friday with DJ AE Nathalie spinning the night away.

Saturday festival highlights, April 6, begins early with Bark Day to celebrate Himamaylan City’s “best friends”, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brgy. I gym. The Inter-barangay Basketball championship game will commence at 6 p.m.

In Hacienda Antipolo, the Invitational Motocross tournament will begin at 8 a.m. At 10 a.m., the winners Agri Trade Fair will be awarded at the Brgy. 1 bridge.

Meanwhile, the Talentadong Himamaylanon Grand Finals will kick off at 7:30 p.m., venue will be announced this week.

This will be followed by the Himamaylan Pyrotechnic Party and HimaMyVibe Season 2: P-Pop Edition, the venue will be announced this week, too.

On April 7, the Himaya Festival Street and Arena Dance Competition begins on the streets of Brgy. 1 and will culminate at Himamaylan NHS grounds, 1-6 p.m.

Himaya 2024 Encore is set to wrap up the festivities featuring hitmaker Moira, heartthrob Enrique Gil and DJ Japor live at the Himamaylan NHS football field.