SANTA ROSA, Laguna—The City of Santa Rosa celebrated its annual Sikhayan Festival starting Wednesday with the theme “Bunga ng Pagsisikhay ng Mamamayan, Pamana sa mga Kabataan!” (The Fruit of the Citizens’ Efforts is an Inheritance for the Youth).
Mayor Danilo Ramon Fernandez thanked the people of Santa Rosa for their continued diligence and participation that brought the city to its current progressive state.
“We owe it to our citizens where we are as a city now, the progress which Santa Rosa is experiencing. It’s just right that we pray tribute to them through the Sikhayan Festival, and so we made an effort to make our annual street dancing parade a truly joyful event,” Fernandez said.
The Sikhayan Festival coincides with the foundation anniversary of Santa Rosa as a town in the year 1792, making it 225 years old.
Six private secondary schools joined the street dancing competition with a “Fantasy World” theme. The dancers showcased their talents and creativity using the themes from classic animation movies “Peter Pan,” “Snow White,” “Tarzan,” “Lion King,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Frozen.”
Colegio De Santa Rosa Laguna emerged as Grand Champion, followed by Queen Anne School, Jesus the Exalted Name School, Blessed Christian School de Sta. Rosa, Laguna Eastern Academy of Santa Rosa, and Laguna Northwestern College in order. The Best in Costume award went to Queen Anne School, which presented the “Alice in Wonderland” theme.
Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, headed by Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas, heads of city government and national offices, together with employees, barangay officials with staff, representatives from the education sector, business sector, and various non-government and civic organizations attended the festival.
Also present were Laguna Vice Governor Katherine Agapay, Board Member JM Carait, First District Rep. Arlene B. Arcillas, and Rosauro Sta. Maria, head of the Laguna Tourism, Culture, and Arts and Trade Office.
The Philippine Postal Corporation also presented the commemorative stamp for the celebration of Santa Rosa’s founding anniversary. Post Master General and CEO Joel Otarra unveiled it together with the officials and other guests.
Guest artists included Alden Richards and Dennis Trillo. The Ginoong Santa Rosa 2017 official candidates were also presented during the event.
