Talisay celebrates heritage, progress in 26th Minuluan fest

By Dolly Yasa

TALISAY CITY, Negros Occidental — Talisay City’s first woman mayor, Atty. Rowena Lopez Lizares, declared the 26th Minuluan Festival a peaceful and successful celebration of the city’s rich heritage and continuing progress.

The five-day festival concluded Wednesday with no reported untoward incidents, marking the first Minuluan Festival under Lizares’ administration.

Lizares led the festival’s culminating luncheon, welcoming guests, officials, and residents to what she called “a bountiful celebration of heritage and progress.”

“From a humble barrio once known as Minulu-an, Talisay has become a dynamic and thriving city, filled with promise and bustling with development,” she said, emphasizing the city’s transformation while preserving its cultural roots.

She reiterated Talisay’s identity as the “City of Modern Heritage,” where “history breathes and innovation thrives.”

The mayor explained that the Minuluan Festival goes beyond colorful performances and festivities, highlighting the city’s values, resilience, and collective spirit.

“Apart from the vibrant expression of our rich heritage, unity, and unwavering spirit as Talisaynons, it is a reminder of our humble beginnings, our culture of togetherness, and the enduring values that have shaped our beloved city through the years,” Lizares said.

During her remarks, she also introduced the city’s new slogan, “TaliSay Yes!”, calling it a rallying cry for collaboration and shared progress.

“If we come together as one, posible ang tanan nga handum para sa aton siudad,” she added.

Lizares extended her gratitude to the festival committees, the Pasidungog Foundation, local officials, barangay leaders, sponsors, artists, performers, and residents for making the celebration a success.

“Your passion and commitment breathe life into our traditions and ensure that our culture continues to thrive for generations to come,” she said.

She ended her message with a call for unity: “May this lunch be a symbol of our togetherness, and may the Minuluan Festival continue to inspire pride and cooperation among us all.”

Among those in attendance were Atty. and Mrs. Ray Diaz representing Governor Bong Lacson; Mayor Neil Lizares; city councilors; barangay officials; City Administrator Atty. Jonathan Ealdama; Assistant City Administrator Ismael Penado; the Pasidungog Foundation Inc.; department heads; and other public service partners.