THE Sandugo festival is one of the most iconic and historical festivals in the Philippines. It celebrates the treaty of friendship between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. However, in recent years, the festival has lost some of its luster, with some intellectuals expressing their disappointment over too much focus on the historical account of the blood compact. This article proposes some ideas on how to improve the Sandugo festival in Bohol.
Rethinking the concept
We need to re-think the festival’s overall concept to showcase the positive aspects of Boholano culture, including its music, dance, cuisine, and art. This will help to differentiate the festival from other events in the country while highlight the unique cultural heritage of Bohol.
The festival should be more than just a historical reenactment of the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Why should we make that significant if we value self-governance? These are what intellectuals throw at us, albeit quietly.
There is another way to make this historical account more useful.
The blood compact metaphor can be used to encourage Boholanos to create their own “blood compact” for dreams and aspirations. How about emphasizing this in the festival, rather than merely showcasing our culture?
A blood compact for one’s dreams means making a firm commitment to achieve goals, just like how Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made a pledge to protect each other’s interests. Boholanos can apply this concept to their lives by setting specific goals, outlining steps to achieve them, and then committing themselves to the process.
The blood compact metaphor can also be used to promote unity among Boholanos in order to overcome the bias of ija-ija-ako-ako. Just as the blood compact forged an alliance between two different groups, Boholanos can create a similar bond to support each other’s dreams and aspirations. Through cooperation and collaboration, they can help each other achieve their goals and create a stronger and more vibrant community.
Do not overburden the provincial government
The Sandugo festival is a big event that requires a lot of funding to be successful. If I make a rough calculation, this festival allots P300k for each of the participating 42 municipalities (if not all participate), or a total of P12.6 million production cost. Adding the cost for the culmination day which can be two million, the government spends P14.6 million. But this is not the only figure if we also count the daily activities which usually fill in the whole month of July.
To avoid overburdening the provincial government, private sponsors must be involved through an NGO that raises funds. By involving private entities in the funding process, the province can help reduce the financial burden on the government while also promoting local businesses and the economy. This approach will ensure the continuity and longevity of the Sandugo festival for many years to come.
How about twelve groups in the street dancing?
Having too many group performers is unnecessary and may detract from the overall quality of the festival. By limiting the number of participants, it will allow for more focus on the quality of the performances and ensure that each group has the resources and support they need to put on a great show.
What money the government saves can be used to fund cultural development projects for the different art forms that are still in their nascent stage, not just this festival. The government can use the money saved from reducing the number of street dancing groups to fund cultural development projects in the province. This approach will help to develop the arts, not just during the festival.
Incorporate best practices like in Dinagyang
Let us look at the best practices of other festivals, such as the Dinagyang in Iloilo. The Dinagyang festival is known for its vibrant street dancing and music, highlighting the cultural heritage of the Ilonggos. By studying the Dinagyang festival, we can adapt some of its successful elements to improve the Sandugo festival in Bohol.
Improving the Sandugo festival in Bohol is essential to preserve and promote the province’s unique cultural heritage. By emphasizing positive Boholano culture, sharing the funding source between private and government entities, reducing the number of street dancing groups, and looking at the best practices of other festivals, the Sandugo festival can become a world-class event that showcases the best of Bohol. Let us work together to create a brighter future for the Sandugo festival and the people of Bohol.
Just like blue-chips corporations, we can redirect our culture for our benefit. This avoids celebrating what we no longer hold with high regard such as an agreement to lose our identity.
