Proposal for Sonampat Festival Week submitted for legal review

COUNCILOR Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba's proposal to declare the last week of March as Sonampat Festival Week in the city has been forwarded to the Office of the City Legal Officer for further review.

This came after City Council Committee on Tourism, chaired by Councilor Jay R. Pascual, discussed the proposal with representatives from the Office of the City Administrator, the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, and the Historical Commission and City Museum yesterday.

The Sonampat Festival aims to celebrate the city's history, culture, and heritage through music and arts, featuring activities such as workshops, performances, and exhibits with an all-ethnic theme.

Councilor Balaba emphasized the need for a dedicated schedule outside the city's August Higalaay Festival, citing time constraints during the fiesta season.

"If we include it in the Higalaay Festival, the event might feel rushed because people are busy with other activities like street dancing and field demonstrations. The two-day event we held previously felt insufficient, as some who were interested in workshops couldn’t participate due to scheduling conflicts," she explained.

She also highlighted March as an ideal time for the festival, given its dry weather.

"March is a summer month, and holding the festival then ensures participants can perform without weather disruptions. Conducting it during the rainy season would be challenging," she further pointed out.