Sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines, holds significant cultural and historical value for Filipinos. 

For a city known as the Sampaguita Capital of the Philippines, it is understandable for San Pedro City in Laguna to hold a festival in honor of the national flower and at the same time reclaim an identity that was almost forgotten.

Since the 1980s, San Pedro City has been known for making various products from sampaguita by turning it into oil, soaps, and even a taste enhancer. 

As modernization became fast-paced, sampaguita trading and production of goods slightly decreased.

To revive this tradition, the city government has organized the second ‘Sampaguita Festival’ which will run from May 1 to May 5.

This year, Sampaguita Festival aims to preserve the industry and support the livelihoods of the sampaguita growers, which the city government expects will foster economic growth and increased tourist arrivals.

"We want to promote the sampaguita revival to provide livelihood to the people here [in San Pedro] and to promote local tourism and cultural heritage in the city of San Pedro” Mayor Art Joseph Mercado said during the media launch of Sampaguita Festival 2024 last April 22.

Mercado then emphasized the importance of the festival in their local tourism to bring back the soul and spirit the flower brings, and committed to preserving and revitalizing this cherished aspect of San Pedro's identity.

“It is [Sampaguita Festival] a big boost especially to our local tourism. Expect that San Pedro will again be known for its Sampaguita and that in the following, Sampaguita Festival will be one of the much-awaited festivals not just in our city but also in our neighboring cities and municipalities,” Mercado said.

Sampaguita revival events are set to dominate the festival with Sampaguita Product Fair and Exhibit, which provides a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their sampaguita-related products like soap, perfume and garlands.

Meanwhile, city tourism head Jhe-rico Sam Colina proudly presented an exhibit that honors local florists.

“Serge Igonia is a well-known sampaguita florist in San Pedro. So, in the exhibit we will showcase her life, her story and her contribution to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the sampaguita industry,” Colina said.

The city government is set to lead the ceremonial turnover of 2.2-hectares of land that will be turned into sampaguita plantation, which symbolizes a commitment to revitalizing sampaguita cultivation.

“We started last year and upon visiting, there are already a lot of sampaguita planted in the area so we are continuously and seriously making efforts to aid our constituents in gaining more income,” Mercado stated.

Last year, a sampaguita nursery was built in Barangay Rosario to aid local growers and give enthusiasts access to quality sampaguita seedlings that residents may plant in their homes.

The mayor committed: “We will start [today] until the time comes that our local traders will no longer buy sampaguita in different areas because San Pedro have it and can offer them. Moreso, the sampaguita farmers in our city can have a better income and livelihood to support their family.”

Aside from sampaguita revival, government services will also be present during the festival with San Pedro City Weekend Market, Kadiwa ng Pangulo and Araw ng Mamamayan Serbisyo Fair.

The San Pedro local government also integrates arts and music into the festival's week-long celebration through a Color Fun Run, Street Dancing Grand Showdown and Competition, Palarong Pinoy: San Pedro-lympics, Sampaguita Conquest E-Sports tournament and cosplay add a modern twist to the festivities. (AM/PIA-4A)