The Hinugyaw Festival is an annual festival that takes place every January 10th in the city of Koronadal, South Cotabato, in the southern part of the Philippines. The festival celebrates the founding anniversary of Koronadal City, as well as the culture and tradition of its people, who are composed of various ethnic groups such as B’laan, Maguindanaon, and Christian settlers.

The word “Hinugyaw” comes from the Visayan word “hugyaw”, which means merry-making or celebration. The festival reflects the festive spirit and cheerful disposition of the people of Koronadal, who are known for their hospitality and generosity. The festival also showcases the talents and skills of the locals in various fields such as arts, music, sports, and cuisine.

The origin of the festival can be traced back to 2001, when then mayor Fernando Miguel initiated it as a way of promoting Koronadal City as a tourist destination and showcasing its potential for development. The festival was also inspired by the history of Koronadal City, which was established as a settlement district by the National Land Settlement Administration in 1940. The first settlers were mostly from Luzon and Visayas, who were enticed by the government to migrate to Mindanao. They brought with them their culture and traditions, which blended with those of the native B’laan and Maguindanaon people. The festival aims to commemorate this historical event and celebrate the diversity and unity of Koronadal City.

The festival today is a week-long celebration that culminates on January 10th, which is also referred to as Araw ng Koronadal (Koronadal Day). It features various events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of Koronadal City, such as art exhibits, musical performances, cultural shows, food fairs, and other contests. The highlight of the festival is the grand street parade or Sadsad Hinugyaw Festival Street Dancing Competition , where thousands of participants from different barangays or districts compete for prizes and honors. The participants wear colorful costumes and masks that depict the evolution of the distinct cultures of the B’laan, Maguindanaon, and Christian settlers into a singular wave of rhythms. They dance to the beat of drums and music, while chanting “Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!” (Go on! No pain!), which expresses their enthusiasm and energy.

The festival is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the taste buds. Visitors can enjoy various delicacies that are unique to Koronadal City or South Cotabato province, such as tilapia (freshwater fish), tuna (saltwater fish), chicken inasal (grilled chicken), piaya (flatbread with muscovado filling), napoleones (puff pastry with custard filling), barquillos (rolled wafers), ibos (rice cake wrapped in coconut leaves), suman latik (sticky rice cake with coconut syrup), kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar and spices), lechon (roasted pig), sisig (chopped meat seasoned with calamansi juice and chili peppers), kakanin (rice cakes), pansit habhab (noodles eaten without utensils), Lucban longganisa (Filipino-style sausages), hardinera (meatloaf), broas (ladyfingers), tikoy (sticky rice cake), espasol (rice cake rolled in coconut flakes), bagoong (fermented fish paste), alaminos longganisa (garlic-flavored sausages), calasiao puto (steamed rice cake), tupig (grilled rice cake wrapped in banana leaves), pigar-pigar (stir-fried beef with cabbage), binungey (sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes), and bangus sisig (chopped milkfish seasoned with calamansi juice and chili peppers). They can also buy souvenirs made from wood, silver, beads, or kiping (leaf-shaped wafer).

The Hinugyaw Festival is not only a celebration of culture and tradition, but also a celebration of life and progress. It is a way of preserving and promoting the traditions and values of Koronadal City and its people. It is also a way of showcasing the beauty and diversity of South Cotabato province and Mindanao island. The festival invites everyone to join in the fun and festivity of this remarkable event.