NAAWAN bagged the 12th Kuyamis Festival Dance Competition Championship on January 16, 2025, at the El Salvador City Sports Complex, emerging victorious among five talented contingents from across Misamis Oriental. With Kuyamis—a variety of golden-colored coconut—as the central theme, the festival dance competition celebrated the rich Higaonon culture, incorporating coconut materials into its vibrant performances.
In its 12th year, this year’s festival was even more special as it was recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the 16th Major Festival in the Philippines, with the DOT also providing a 750,000 financial assistance to support the event.
Department of Tourism Undersecretary Ferdinand “Kokoy” Jumapao, representing Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, praised the festival in his speech for preserving rich history and traditions and passing them on to future generations. He emphasized that festivals are not merely celebrations but also serve as major economic drivers, promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism that preserves culture and benefits everyone. Meanwhile, DOT10 Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan served as the chairman of the board of judges for this year’s competition.
Winners:
Champion – Naawan
1st Runner-Up – Magsaysay
2nd Runner-Up – Claveria
3rd Runner-Up – Initao
4th Runner-Up – Gingoog City
Special Awards:
Best in Musicality, Storyline, and Choreography – Naawan
Best in Costume – Claveria
Congratulations to all the winners! DOT 10 PR/MISAMIS ORIENTAL PIO PHOTO
