By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – The 2024 Magayon Hinuptanan Festival in Moises Padilla town commenced on Friday, March 15, and is set to continue through March 19.
Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo commended the complete participation of the town’s 15 barangays in the festival’s launch, highlighting the inauguration of the Nilaga-an Village as this year’s novel addition to the festivities.
The mayor emphasized the town’s reputation as the livestock hub of the province and its famous “Nilaga” stew. The newly introduced Nilaga-an Village pairs with the traditional Lechon Festival, now both located beside the town gymnasium, offering a delectable culinary experience.
Mayor Yulo, alongside provincial board member Dra. Rita Gatuslao inaugurated the Lechon Festival Nilaga-an Village by cutting the ceremonial ribbon. They also kick-started the Agro-Trade Fair, showcasing and selling the town’s agricultural products.
The festival’s opening also featured the introduction of the fifteen Magayon Hinuptanan Festival Queen pageant contestants to the public, setting the stage for the pageant on March 16.
Addressing the demand for more entertainment, Mayor Yulo announced the addition of an invitational softball event and performances by six local bands, designed to keep the festivities alive from dusk until dawn—a response to the community’s call for an extended celebration compared to the previous year.
5th district representative Atty. Dino praised the local government, led by Mayor Yulo, for the successful event and acknowledged the Senate’s approval of the Negros Island Region as a boon for local development. He noted the construction of road networks linking Negros Occidental to Negros Oriental, which would include Moises Padilla town, enhancing connectivity and infrastructure.
