Avoiding the stigma of “bibo pay gapatay ug has” (more jampacked than killing a snake), Gov. Edgar M. Chatto and City Mayor Baba Yap wrestled away from the Bohol Sandugo Foundation the privilege of running the month-long celebration, which for years has been seen as a “boring, redundant, monotonous” event with only Manila-based actors and actresses providing a little fun to spectators. The Bohol Sandugo Foundation, chaired by Mario Uy, has been running the Sandugo show for more than a decade, but lately the foundation has been criticized for lack of transparency on how millions of pesos of government and private funds were collected and spent during the month-long affair. Last year, public criticism became more intense after thousands of Boholanos and Filipino guests were disappointed with the kind of activities prepared by the foundation, which critics said have no historical relevance to the spirit of Sandugo celebration. Also, last year’s street dancing revelry, believed to be the highlight of the festival, left an unfavorable impression to the public eye due to the very few participants who joined the dance contest. But this year's Bohol Sandugo Festival is poised to be a grand celebration as it intends to make Sandugo more vibrant than ever amid recovery efforts to showcase the great Boholano culture and tradition to the country and the rest of the world.

Chatto who presided over the initial meeting last week has urged the commitment of the membership of the executive committee to properly coordinate with government agencies and private sector participants in the festival. The governor has also urged local government units to take part in the commemoration of the historic treaty of friendship between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna. He has also asked the assurance from committee members whether they could put up a “good show” in this year’s festival despite the short period of time to prepare. Chatto sits as chairman of the Bohol Sandugo celebration, and is co-chaired by Mayor Yap, who was represented in the meeting by City Administrator Edi Borja. Provincial Tourism Council chairperson lawyer Lucas Nunag sits as executive director.

The enormous success of the city’s Saulog Festival has inspired Provincial Administrator Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio II to strike a deal with Yap and Borja on how a Sandugo Festival should be presented to the world. Damalerio said many partners from the private sector have signified intent to participate in the Sandugo celebration. Sandugo’s festivities will kick off on July 1, with the celebration of the Tagbilaran City Charter Day, and will culminate with the celebration of Bohol Day on July 22. The highlights of the Sandugo Festival include the Agri-Fair, product showcase and trade fair, the Miss Bohol Sandugo, and the Street Dancing Competition. Daily activities sponsored by participating organizations will enhance the tourism and cultural aspects of the festivities, showcasing cultural presentations, sports and entertainment events, and even a showcase of local and international cuisine as well as art exhibits depicting the Sandugo.