Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro turned over P68 million in financial assistance to the Municipality of Cordova during the 27th Dinagat Festival celebration on Sunday, August 9.
The assistance included P50 million for the construction of the Cordova hospital, P14.69 million for the rehabilitation and concreting of the Datay-Buangsong Road, and additional funding for other municipal projects and initiatives.
Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan said construction of the hospital is expected to start this year, with the facility targeted to open by the third quarter of 2027.
Baricuatro also gave an additional P1 million for the Dinagat Festival competition prizes, increasing the total prize money for the winning contingents.
The grand champion’s prize was raised from P100,000 to P400,000, while the first runner-up will receive P300,000, up from the previous P70,000. The second runner-up’s prize increased from P50,000 to P200,000.
The four consolation prize winners will each receive P60,000, up from the previous P10,000.
Baricuatro congratulated the participating contingents, choreographers, and organizers for their performances and thanked Cordova residents for welcoming her to the celebration in honor of the municipality’s patron saint, Señor San Roque.
She also commended Suan for his leadership and thanked the Cordova local government for its continued partnership with the provincial government.
Suan, meanwhile, thanked Baricuatro for her presence and for spending time in Cordova to watch the seven contingents that participated in the festival.
‘Dili lang ang imong pagbisita, kundili ang imong gihatag nga taas nga oras nga pagtuyok kanamo karon diri,’ Suan said.
In the competition, PxD Dance Ensemble emerged as the major winner in the 27th Dinagat Festival, taking the Grand Champion titles in both the Grand Ritual Showdown and Streetdancing.
PxD also won Best Choreography and Best Andas.
Ibabao Performing Arts placed first runner-up in both the Grand Ritual Showdown and Streetdancing and also won Best in Costume, while Tribu La Isla Catarcion was second runner-up in both competitions.
In the Audio Van competition, Bangsan Cultural Ensemble was named Grand Champion, followed by Ibabao Performing Arts as first runner-up and Tribu Galegria as second runner-up.
Ariela Rose Menguito, representing Barangays Pilipog and Dapitan, was crowned Dinagat Festival Queen. Micah Discaller of Barangay Ibabao was first runner-up, while Jenny Cabido of Barangays Day-as and Buagsong was second runner-up.
Menguito also won Best in Production Number, Best Solo Performer, and Best in Group Performance. Cabido won Best in Festival Costume.
Alexis Joan Inoc of Barangays Bangbang and San Miguel was named Miss Photogenic, while Juarme Jordan of Barangays Gabi and Alegria received the Netizens’ Choice Award.