By Helen Castaño, Jhelmar Jala | 10:50 PM March 16, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — The City Government of Tagbilaran officially launched Saulog Tagbilaran 2026 on Monday, March 16, as the city marked the 461st anniversary of the historic Blood Compact of 1565 during a ceremony at the Tagbilaran City Friendship Park.
The celebration began with a Holy Mass at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine Parish.
After the Mass, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap led the wreath-laying and floral offering to commemorate the historic blood compact between Bohol chieftain Rajah Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi—a symbolic pact of friendship between two peoples that remains central to the city’s identity.
The solemn ceremony paid tribute to the historic alliance that continues to shape Tagbilaran’s cultural heritage.
In her message, Yap underscored the importance of preserving heritage while strengthening tourism initiatives in the city and the province.
The mayor also recalled Tagbilaran’s recent victory at the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, where the city’s contingent was declared grand champion.
“Being declared Grand Champion on such a prestigious stage was not just a win for a contingent. It was a victory for every Tagbilaranon,” Yap said.
She said the historic moment symbolized the same values of friendship, unity and mutual respect represented by the blood compact centuries ago.
“It reminds us that long before we were a modern city, our identity was already rooted in unity and shared purpose,” she added.
Yap also acknowledged the challenges facing communities today, including rising costs and global uncertainties, but emphasized that festivals like Saulog bring people together and create economic opportunities.
“Festivals like this do more than celebrate culture. They create hope, strengthen our identity, and generate livelihood for our people—from food vendors and performers to transport workers, hotels and small businesses,” she said.
The mayor said Saulog Tagbilaran 2026 will be guided by two key principles: focus and purpose.
She explained that the city aims to strengthen tourism while ensuring that festivities also bring measurable benefits to residents.
Tagbilaran Tourism Development Plan
This year, the city will conduct real-time surveys through QR codes to gather feedback from residents and visitors about the festival’s cultural and economic impact.
During the program, the city also unveiled the Tagbilaran Tourism Development Plan, which aims to promote climate-resilient and future-ready tourism.
According to Yap, the plan—developed with tourism stakeholders and community leaders—serves as a roadmap to position Tagbilaran as the cultural gateway and vibrant heart of Bohol.
The city also premiered the official Saulog Tagbilaran promotional video inspired by this year’s theme, “One Family, One City.”
One of the highlights of the launching program was the presentation of the official candidates for Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2026 and the Saulog Festival King and Queen.
Saulog activities
Saulog Tagbilaran 2026 features a packed lineup of activities, including the Saulog Sports Opening Ceremony on March 22, the Saulog Interschool Quiz Bee on March 23, the Mutya sa Tagbilaran pageant on April 19, the Saulog Festival King and Queen competition on April 22, and the Saulog Street Dancing Competition and Ritual Showdown on April 26.
Other major events include DuEkSam Night on May 1 and the Maoy sa Mayo Saulog Concert on May 3.
Regular crowd favorites will also return, such as the Saulog Tagbilaran Bazaar and nightly entertainment from April 6 to May 3 at the City Hall grounds, Kombira sa Tagbilaran on April 25, the Himog Huni Original Songwriting Competition on April 28, and the St. Joseph the Worker Fluvial Parade on April 29.
“Come and visit Tagbilaran City and celebrate with us our Saulog Tagbilaran 2026 in honor of our patron saint Senor San Jose. Mag street danicng ta, mag maoy sa Mayo ta. Ari mo kay unlimited lechon sugod Mayo,” said Yap.
