By I. Inojales | 04:29 PM July 30, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — After four years of competing in the Sandugo Festival street dancing competition, the Municipality of Loay has officially announced that its contingent, Banay Loaynon, is signing off.
In a statement, Loay Mayor Hilario Ayuban Jr. reflected on the group’s journey, saying Banay Loaynon was established in 2023 with the goal of showcasing the talent of young Loaynons, especially since the historic Blood Compact (Sandugo) took place in Loay
The mayor said the municipality also aimed to win infrastructure projects offered as festival prizes, noting that as a fourth- to fifth-class municipality, Loay has limited local funds for development. The initiative likewise provided opportunities for young participants to qualify for scholarship programs through their involvement in the contingent.
During its four-year participation, Banay Loaynon consistently finished among the festival’s top performers and secured infrastructure project incentives from the Provincial Government of Bohol.
In 2023, the contingent placed first runner-up, earning a P15-million infrastructure project that funded the concreting of the Baybay Village road leading to the municipal hall, an area that had long been prone to flooding during heavy rains.
In 2024, Banay Loaynon again finished as first runner-up, winning another P15-million road concreting project connecting Botoc Oriental and Botoc Occidental to Morning Hills. However, Ayuban said the prize has yet to be received.
In 2025, the contingent placed second runner-up, earning a P6.5-million project for the concreting and completion of roads around the public market and the municipal hall. Ayuban likewise said the incentive has not yet been released.
This year, Banay Loaynon again finished as second runner-up, securing another P6.5-million allocation intended for improvements to the Loay People’s Center. According to the mayor, this prize has also not yet been received.
Overall, Ayuban noted that while Banay Loaynon earned several infrastructure incentives through its Sandugo performances, the prizes for 2024, 2025, and 2026 remain pending.
Ayuban expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the contingent’s success over the years, including choreographers, artistic directors, dance masters, musicians, costume designers, local government officials and employees, the 24 barangays of Loay, donors and sponsors, healthcare and disaster response personnel, and volunteers.
He also thanked the Provincial Government of Bohol, led by Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, for including infrastructure projects as prizes in the Sandugo Festival competition.
Above all, the mayor paid tribute to the dancers, ritualists, singers, instrumentalists, and props personnel whose dedication and sacrifices brought pride and honor to the municipality.
“To all of you, thank you very much,” Ayuban said, ending his message with the declaration: “Banay Loaynon is signing off.”
