EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental – The Municipality of Naawan took the crown once again at the 2025 Kuyamis Street Dance Competition on January 16, held at the El Salvador City Grandstand. Extending their 2024 title reign, the group brought home the P500,000 cash prize.
The Kuyamis Street Dance Competition is a highlight of the province’s 95th Founding Anniversary and the 12th Kuyamis Festival, celebrated from January 13 to 17, 2025.
Senator Imee R. Marcos attended the event in El Salvador City, expressing gratitude to coconut farmers.
“Bigyang-pugay natin ang mga mag-uuma ng niyog. Kung wala sila, wala itong Kuyamis Festival. Ang Kuyamis ay simbolo ng kasipagan at dedikasyon ng mag-uuma dito sa Misamis Oriental,” she said.
Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Special Concerns Ferdinand C. Jumapao also joined the festivities.
“The Kuyamis Festival honors our roots, showcasing the region’s rich history and vibrant traditions. It preserves our culture while passing it on to the next generation,” he stated.
Jumapao urged the youth to continue such traditions and emphasized the festival’s economic impact.
“These events attract visitors, support local businesses, and boost our economy. As we celebrate, we must preserve the beauty and integrity of our culture and land,” he added.
In the dance competition, the Municipality of Magsaysay claimed first runner-up with a P300,000 cash prize, while Claveria earned second runner-up with P250,000. Initao and Gingoog City placed third and fourth, each receiving P200,000.
Governor Peter Unabia announced that all participating municipalities and cities would also receive P1 million worth of tourism-related projects.
Judging criteria included storyline, choreography, costumes, and musicality. Performances highlighted Kuyamis Festival’s significance and incorporated live bands using indigenous instruments, such as percussion and wind instruments–excluding the bugle.
Costume designs featured blue, red, white, yellow, and black to honor the Higaonon culture, with orange accents and coconut materials.
The panel of judges, led by DOT Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan and Provincial Tourism Council Co-chairperson Erlinda S. Unabia, evaluated the performances.
El Salvador City Mayor Edgar S. Lignes expressed pride in hosting the event.
“Kuyamis Festival showcases the vibrant spirit of Misamis Oriental and the passion of our talented dancers. Let the music play, the colors dance, and may the best team win,” he said.
Before competing, participants marched and performed through the streets in colorful costumes and to lively music, captivating residents and travelers alike.
Naawan’s victory reinforced its status as a consistent champion, cementing the town’s legacy in Kuyamis Festival history. (IJBD/PIA 10/Misamis Oriental)
