Sandugo Festival

The Sandugo Festival is a vibrant annual celebration held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. This dynamic event commemorates the historic Treaty of Friendship signed in 1565 between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. Every July, both residents and visitors come together to honor this significant moment in history through a series of exciting activities.

Among the key highlights are the Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant and the Sandugo Street Dancing Competition. These events are meticulously organized by the Bohol Sandugo Foundation, Inc. (BSFI) and supported by various private sector sponsors, who enhance the festivities with nightly shows, trade and food fairs, and even medical missions.

The BSFI was established in 1991 to revitalize the Sandugo Festival, which had been waning due to lack of support and diminishing public interest. Thanks to their efforts, the festival has regained its popularity and significance.

Every two years, the festival coincides with the "Tigum Bol-anon Sa Tibuok Kalibutan" (A Gathering of Boholanos Around the World), an event organized by the Confederation of Boholanos in the US and Canada (CONBUSAC). This gathering aims to foster unity among Boholanos globally.

The 2010 Sandugo Festival, themed "Sandugo at 22: Onward for Unity and Progress" was a standout celebration. It featured a variety of events, including Tagbilaran City's Charter Anniversary, the Miss Bohol Sandugo Pageant, the DTI Sandugo Product Showcase, and the eagerly anticipated Sandugo Street Dancing competition. The festival not only celebrates the historical significance of the Sandugo event but also aims to promote unity and progress within the region.