By Helen Castaño | 08:35 AM July 31, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado has clarified that all cash prizes awarded to winners of the Sandugo Festival from 2023 to 2025 have already been released, following statements by Loay Mayor Hilario Ayuban Jr. that some of the municipality’s festival prizes remain pending.
Aumentado said the only unreleased incentive is Loay’s 2024 infrastructure project grant, which was delayed due to deficiencies in the documents submitted by the municipality.
He explained that records from the Provincial Budget and Management Office (PBMO) showed a discrepancy between the project title stated in the Sangguniang Bayan resolution and the project reflected in the approved budget. Because of the inconsistency, the Provincial Government required the municipality to correct its documents before the proposal could be endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approval.
The governor emphasized that all 2023 project grants have already been released, while the 2025 project grants are scheduled for release within the year. Meanwhile, project grants for the winners of the 2026 Sandugo Festival are set for release in 2027, following the program’s regular implementation schedule.
He also explained that the Local Governance Affairs Office (LGAO) is in charge of processing project grants, while the Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD) assists participating local government units in completing and submitting the required documents.
The clarification came after Ayuban announced that Loay’s contingent, Banay Loaynon, would no longer participate in the Sandugo Festival Street Dancing Competition, citing, among other reasons, the non-release of some festival incentives.
Aumentado maintained that the delay in Loay’s project grant stemmed from documentary deficiencies rather than any failure on the part of the Provincial Government to release the funds.
