Mayor Philip Naguit declared the recent Aguman Sanduk Festival 2026 a powerful symbol of the town's enduring spirit in the face of adversity. Speaking at the vibrant event, the mayor framed the annual celebration as a clarion call for every Minaleño to keep striving for a brighter tomorrow.
A Nine-Decade Legacy of Joy and Resilience
The unique Aguman Sanduk Festival, now in its 93rd year, is rooted in a history of community strength. It first emerged spontaneously in 1932, during a period of severe agricultural hardship and poor harvests in Minalin. What began as a creative effort to lift spirits has blossomed into a beloved annual tradition that unites the entire municipality.
The festival's centerpiece remains its historic cross-dressing parade, where men of all ages—from youth to elders—don flamboyant female attire in a joyous and colorful procession. This practice, Mayor Naguit emphasized, is more than just spectacle; it embodies a communal pledge to persevere and support one another through all challenges.
Barangay Champions of the 2026 Celebration
This year's festivities featured fierce but friendly competition among the town's barangays in several categories. The float parade and performances showcased local creativity and pride.
Barangay Santo Domingo achieved the highest honor, being named the overall champion of the Aguman Sanduk 2026 celebration. The competition was divided into clusters, with multiple barangays taking home top prizes.
Cluster Awards and Winners
In the highly anticipated Best Muse category, the title for Cluster 1 was claimed by Barangay San Francisco Uno. For Cluster 2, Barangay Santa Rita secured the top honor.
The Best Float competition saw Barangay San Francisco Dos triumph in Cluster 1. Meanwhile, the overall champion, Barangay Santo Domingo, also dominated this category in Cluster 2.
For Best Street Performance, the awards were secured by Barangay San Francisco Uno (Cluster 1) and Barangay Santa Rita (Cluster 2).
Looking Forward with Community Spirit
Mayor Philip Naguit's message resonated throughout the festival grounds. "It is our commitment to always persevere through hardship and to continually look after our community," he stated. The 2026 Aguman Sanduk Festival successfully served as both a lively party and a profound reminder of the town's shared history and collective resolve. As it closes its 93rd chapter, the tradition stands ready to inspire future generations of Minaleños.
