CEBU CITY: The province of Dinagat Islands participated on Sunday in the Sinulog in Cebu City for the first time since the festival's inception 17 years ago.

The 450 Tribu Kamanting performers from Dinagat, who were supported by Rep. Alan Uno Ecleo, competed in the street dance competition together with 16 other contingents, including those from other provinces.

"We are not just here to win; we are here because we are already winners," Ecleo told The Manila Times.

"We defeated one of the biggest storms in our history by being united. And by being united, we will defeat poverty, isolation and negativity," he said.

The other participating contingents are the Abellana National School, Banauan Cultural Group, Hut-ong sa Lunhawng Mamumoo sa Pamilyang Cebu Gen, Bulacao Village powered by Alpha Kappa Rho, Pundok Baniladnon sa Sugbo, Inayawan Talents Guild and Cultural Dance Troupe, Nagkahiusang Mananayaw sa Sapangdaku, Banay Labangon, Tribu Mabolokon, Pasayaw Festival representing The Province of Negros Oriental, Banay San Nicolasnon, Lumad Basakanon, Tribu Divinohanon of Divino Amore Academy, Tribu Masadyang Subanian, Activong Binaliwhanon, and Tribu San Roque sa Cuidad.

The Sinulog is an annual cultural and religious event celebrated on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City in honor of the Sto. Niño or the Child Jesus.

The festival attracts between 1 million and 1.5 million people annually.

The Sto. Niño de Cebu is the oldest Christian artifact in the Philippines, given to Rajah Humabon and his wife and principal consort, Hara Humamay, by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 in recognition of their Christian baptism.

The street dance contest ended with a major performance on the main Sinulog stage by Tribu Kamanting, who was inspired by the festival's initial name, Bugkosan, which means "coming together."

"Dinagat Islands is full of people from all backgrounds and walks of life; we are all united by our love for our province, our culture, and our heritage," Ecleo said.

With screams of "Pit Señor!" ("Long live, Christ, the Child!") and "Barug Dinagat!" ("Arise Dinagat!"), the presentation relates the tale of the Dinagat Islands, their culture, and the role of faith in building solidarity and resilience among its people.

Among the government officials who attended the festival were Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Christopher "Bong" Go and Ana Theresia "Risa" Hontiveros.

Vice President Sara Duterte said Sinulog is a reminder that humility and "childlike sincerity" are very important in one's spiritual journey.

"I am delighted to join our kababayan in celebrating Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines 2024," Duterte said in her message for this year's Sinulog.

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