The Dinagyaw sa Tablas Festival is celebrated every February 11 in Candoni, Negros Occidental, to honor the town’s patron saint and remember the settlers led by Santiago “Tagoy” Diego who founded the community in 1935. The festival was originally called Pabalhas sa Tablas, but was renamed in 2009 to highlight the spirit of bayanihan (dagyaw), which represents unity and teamwork among residents. It features street dances and performances that reenact the settlers’ struggles in clearing land and cutting down tough tabla trees, some believed to be protected by spirits. The tradition is passed on through oral stories, school lessons, and community participation, with strong support from local leaders and educators. Despite being well-supported, the festival faces threats like less youth involvement, financial limitations, and cultural dilution due to modern influences. Still, with active community involvement and integration into education, the Dinagyaw sa Tablas Festival continues to thrive as a symbol of Candoni’s identity, unity, and rich history.
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Photo Credit/s:
Municipal Government of Candoni FB Page, 2024
Mappers:
Noreen Alvarez
Tags:
bayanihan tradition Philippines, Candoni cultural heritage, Candoni festival Negros Occidental, community unity festivals, cultural education Philippines, cultural preservation Negros Occidental, Dinagyaw sa Tablas Festival, February festivals Philippines, festival identity and unity, Filipino community festivals, Filipino folk traditions, Filipino street dance festivals, financial challenges festivals, local government support festivals, oral history festivals, Pabalhas sa Tablas, patron saint celebrations, settlers reenactment festival, traditional Filipino dances, youth involvement in festivals
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