TAGBILARAN City once again came together in faith, festivity, and fellowship for one of the most beloved traditions of the Saulog Festival — the Fluvial Procession in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, held on April 29, 2025.
Devotees swept through the city as the day began with a Holy Mass at 7:15 AM at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine-Parish.
Families and individuals gathered to offer prayers to the patron saint known to many as the silent protector of Tagbilaran.
At 9:00 AM, the faithful lined up on the streets as the image of St. Joseph was on a mobile procession, passing through familiar city landmarks like Plaza Rizal, BQ Mall, and CPG Avenue, before making its way to the PPA-Tagbilaran Port.
Devotees followed the convoy in prayer which is a moving testament to how deeply this tradition resonates with the people.
Then came the Fluvial Parade, which set sail from the port at 10:00 AM.
A fleet of colorfully adorned boats escorted the patron saint through Causeway Bay, stopping briefly at Parola, before making its ceremonial landing at the K of C Promenade.
From the water, the boats shimmered like floating altars, carrying not just the image of St. Joseph but the prayers and hopes of an entire community.
At around 11:30 AM, the image of Saint Joseph at the promenade was greeted by the Saulog Welcome Dance, a lively performance symbolizing the city’s joyful homage.
Dancers in traditional attire swayed in harmony, and the energy was palpable — a blend of spirituality and celebration that only Saulog could deliver.
Earlier in the month, the community had already been in spiritual preparation through the Novena Masses, which began on April 22, 2025, at the Cathedral.
These were made possible through the joint sponsorship of both public and private sectors, highlighting the shared devotion that transcends titles and affiliations.
The program also featured the announcement and awarding of winners for the Bugsay Making and Designing Contest 2025, recognizing the creativity of local artists and crafters who used oars (“bugsay”) as canvases to tell stories of faith and identity.
Mayor Jane Yap, who has long championed cultural and spiritual unity, noted how this year’s theme — “One with the World” — speaks volumes about what it means to be Tagbilaranon today. “In honoring our patron saint, we also open our hearts to the global community. Our values of faith, family, and resilience are not just local virtues — they are universal,” she shared.
As the scent of candles lingered and boats slowly returned to shore, what remained was the unmistakable spirit of a city united — by water, by worship, and by love for St. Joseph.
