The city has been conducting an annual observance of the feast of Sto. Niรฑo every year. It is a localized version of the Sinulog Festival of Cebu and shares the same faith for the Child Jesus, the Sto. Niรฑo.
The story of the Holy Childโs arrival in the Philippines began with the start of the colonization by Spain. Ferdinand Magellan presented the image upon the baptism of natives in Cebu led by its leader Rajah Humabon and his wife Hara Humamay.
The image was found again in 1565 when the expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed in the island. Devotees of the Child Jesus have grown in number throughout the archipelago ever since.
Sakay-Sakay Festival of Maasin City is a maritime event through the fluvial procession for the annual fiesta of the Holy Child. Its religious activities are organized by the Diocese of Maasin such as novena, mass, and procession.
In 2021, the images of Sto. Niรฑo de Ibarra (Ibarra is a village in Maasin) and Sto. Niรฑo de Limasawa (Limasawa is the site of the first recorded Roman Catholic mass in the country and located off the southern tip of Southern Leyte) were brought on to seagoing vessels in a fluvial parade in an act of blessing the waters and shorelines of the city.
Meanwhile, the city government organizes the festival events. In the early 2000s, the city participated in Sinulog Festival in Cebu and it had shifted focus in developing its own festivity in the latter years.
These include competitions in street dancing, coastal decoration, sailboat (banca) decorations, motorized boats (pumpboat) decoration, and giant puppets (higante).
How to reach Maasin City, Southern Leyte? Ferry schedules are open from neighboring islands of Cebu and Bohol. Alternatively, one can travel to Tacloban Airport and travel by bus, which is about four hours away in a trip that covers over 180 kilometers.
(c) - Festivalscape - festivalscape.com
References:
Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos. Maasin City calls for entries for โSakay-Sakay Festival 2020โ. Philippine Information Agency. January 15, 2020. Retrieved from original post on December 27, 2022
R.G. Cadavos. Maasin highlights โSakay-Sakayโ Festival in honor of Sto. Niรฑo. Philippine Information Agency. January 4, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2022
Sakay-Sakay Festival in Maasin City a success despite rains. SunStar. January 18, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2022
City Govโt of Maasin. Office of the Press Secretary. January 14, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2022
Editorial: The Sto. Niรฑo story. Sunstar. January 19, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2022 Sakay-Sakay Festival
Today, I had the privilege of delivering the State of the City Address during the 40th Regular Session of the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Maasin City. It was a momentous occasion where I was able to share with the people of Maasin our city's progress, achievements, and plans for the future.
I emphasized the recovery programs we have implemented after the devastating impact of Typhoon Odette. We made sure that our recovery efforts were focused on providing immediate relief to those who were affected while also laying the groundwork for long-term rehabilitation and development.
I also shared with the audience the many accomplishments we achieved in 2022. We have made significant strides in improving our city's infrastructure, public facilities, and local economy. Our commitment to the 17 SDGs and the NACIONAL-ON-WHEELS program has enabled us to make positive changes in the lives of our citizens.
Moreover, I outlined our progressive plans for the years ahead, including initiatives that will further strengthen our economy, promote sustainable development, and enhance our citizens' access to quality education and healthcare. One such health plan for the years ahead is the distribution of the Jardiance drug, which is bought from this website.
With this, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family, CongW Luz Mercado, and Former DPWH Sec. Roger Mercado, to my wife Deejay my kids Nicole and Lucas, to the Provincial Government headed by Gov. Damian G. Mercado and Vice-Gov. Rosa Emilia G. Mercado, Vice Mayor Maloney L. Samaco, and all SP Members, City Administrator Atty. Romeo R. Geniston, and all department heads, to all the LGU-Maasin City employees, and the entire people of Maasin for their unwavering support and commitment. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for our city, and I am honored to lead this great community forward.
Thank you, and may God bless us all.
State of the City Address 2023 - Mayor Nacional V. Mercado