PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The streets of Pagadian were filled with excitement as the Pasalamat Festival culminated in a street dancing event, followed by a lively street party.
According to the City Police Office, over 7,000 people joined the festivities.
Christian Pagayon, one of the participants, shared that he chose to join the celebration to continue a tradition he started during his college years in Cebu.
“Mas better gane karon kay before, friends ra akong kauban. Karon with friends and family na,” he shared. (It’s actually better now because before, I was only with friends. Now, I’m with friends and family)
Among the local bands who joined and performed at the street party were Mayonnaise, Phylum, and Juan Paasa.
The City Police reported no untoward incidents during the activity.
Meanwhile, the following day, a Facebook post went viral, comparing the streets of Pagadian—one image showing the streets littered after the party, and another showing them clean at dawn.
The city of Pagadian expressed its gratitude and credited the teams of street sweepers, green workers, and garbage collectors for their efforts in maintaining cleanliness and order after the activities.
As for the street dancing, 11 contingents from schools and barangays participated in the Street Dancing and Festival Showdown, delivering breathtaking performances. The champion, Barangay Tuburan, brought home a grand prize of Php 800,000.00.
The ‘Pasalamat Festival’ 2025, an annual event dedicated to the city’s beloved Sr. Santo Niño de Pagadian, united the community in a vibrant celebration of gratitude and faith. (EDT/CCP/PIA9)
