Danao mayor happy of Pam’s support

CEBU, Philippines —  Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano initially expressed his dismay over Cebu Provincial government’s neglect of Danao City for nearly a decade, but was happy to announce that, for the first time this year, his city finally received financial aid from the Capitol, through Governor Pam Baricuatro, for the city’s Karansa Festival celebration.

 “Puasa mi og siyam ka tuig. Karon tuiga na grasyahan jud. Bisag unsang hitaboa, murag na discriminate mi,” Durano said yesterday, as he aired his dismay on how Capitol ignored his city for nearly a decade.

September in Danao City would not be complete without the Karansa Festival, and this year, the celebration is made even more historical as it coincides with the 354th Feast Day of their patron, Santo Tomas de Villanueva, and the visit of Papal Nuncio Charles John Brown.

Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano on Friday, September 19, said this year marks a turning point for the city after finally receiving direct financial support from the provincial government, under Governor Pamela Baricuatro.

Vice Mayor Carmen Remedios “Ivy” Durano confirmed that the Capitol has extended P3 million in aid for this year’s festivities, a first after nine years.

The announcement was made during a press conference that tackled both the religious and cultural highlights of Danao’s biggest annual celebration.

The religious aspect centers on the feast of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, which will be celebrated on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with no less than the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines presiding over the fiesta mass.

Carlo Lleva Matugas of the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish (STVP) said this is the first time in Danao’s history that the Pope’s representative will celebrate the fiesta mass.

He recalled that outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma confirmed the papal nuncio’s visit during the blessing of the parish’s newly restored retablo, describing it as a “great honor” for the city.

PJ Balasabas of the parish stressed that the papal nuncio’s presence coincides with the Jubilee Year, which gives deeper meaning to the celebration.

He also noted that the visit strengthens Danao’s aspiration to eventually have its own diocese, as the Archdiocese of Cebu undergoes the “Sugbuswak” process, which seeks to create three new dioceses: the mother archdiocese, one in the south (Carcar City), and another in the north (Danao City).

Reverend Father Wendell Balbuena of the Cebu Archdiocese assured that tight coordination is ongoing with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to guarantee the nuncio’s safety during his visit.

“In the Parish side, I believe we are 100 percent ready… all is well coordinated,” said Matugas of STVP.

Archbishop Brown will arrive on September 20, proceed to Danao the following day, and preside over the Pontifical Mass at 10 a.m. on September 21.

This marks the nuncio’s ninth visit to the country. He is also expected to return later this month for the installation of the incoming Cebu Archbishop, Abet Uy.

On the cultural side, the city is set to stage the 45th Karansa Festival, which Vice Mayor Ivy Durano described as a “month-long showcase of faith, culture, and identity.”

The Karansa Festival, which began in the 1980s, derives its unique steps from the traditional pottery-making of Danao.

“Kiay, kurug, karag, and karahay—these four basic movements reflect the artistry of our pottery and the character of our people,” Ivy explained.

The street dancing competition will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, followed by the grand showdown and the Festival Queen competition at 6 p.m.

A 300,000 cash prize awaits the champion contingent, while the second and third placers will receive 200,000 and 100,000, respectively.

Vice Mayor Ivy revealed that singer Rob Deniel will hold a free concert in the city on Saturday night, while the Miss Danao 2025 pageant will also be staged as part of the festivities.

“Every night this September, there is something happening in Danao, all leading up to our big day,” she added.

Governor Baricuatro has been invited as the special guest for the annual festival, cementing Capitol’s support for Danao’s cultural pride.

The mayor shared that the city is highlighting not only its “Masidlakon” or shining brand but also the value of being “Mapahiyomon” or smiling—qualities he said that will be reflected in this year’s festival.

The mayor also credited the private sector, including Minibea Mitsumi President Tatsuya Mori and Vice President Cesar Augusto, for continuously supporting Danao’s festivities.

Reverend Simpoy Atienza, team moderator of the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish, emphasized that this year’s celebrations are not just about tradition but also about unity between church, city, and province.  (CEBU NEWS)