Panagsogod fest to drive tourism growth in Sogod

Highlighting its rich culture and dynamic potential for tourism, the municipality of Sogod in the Northern side of the province launched its first ever festival called as Panagsogod.

The Panagsogod festivity, which will run for the whole month of July is aimed at promoting the municipality’s tourism and competitive local trade, said Sogod acting Mayor Lissa Marie “Moonyen” Durano in a press conference.

“The festival marks a new beginning and a new hope for Sogod and its people. It will feature religion, culture as well as our natural resources and local products,” said Durano.

She added that coming up with a festival for Sogod was not an easy feat but their local government unit was able to push through with it through the help and support of the residents in Sogod.

“To differentiate Panagsogod from other popular festivals in the country, we can say that this is not just a work of one person because it was earned from everyone’s hard work and a labor of love from the people of Sogod,” she said.

Durano also shared that the Panagsogod festival was their answer to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s call to all local government units of the province to come up with an official festival that will be part of their promotion of tourism as well as culture and heritage.

During its founding anniversary next month, the province will celebrate the “festivals of festivals” and will highlight a contest that will be participated by municipalities and cities in the province, in which Panagsogod will partake.

With the concept revolving around the theme of new beginnings, the Panagsogod festival also marks Sogod’s start in the active promotion of their tourism industry, said Durano.

“Sugod has since been declared as one of the major tourism destination here in Cebu so we always prioritize the promotion of tourism in our development plans. This festival will be in lined with the promotion of our tourism potential as it will showcase our culture, our rich history, and our local products as well as showcase what we as a people can offer to both local and domestic tourists,” Durano pointed out. – Rhia de Pablo