TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The municipal government of Paniqui in Tarlac launched its first Sikhayani Festival, a 10-day celebration that highlights local culture, strengthens community participation, and promotes a shared vision for development.
Conceptualized as a platform to showcase the town’s identity, the festival brought together various sectors through activities such as a festival parade, street dancing and cheerdance competitions, a bayanihan night party, grand ballroom, agri-trade fair, music festival, and other local showcases from March 13 to 22.
These activities encouraged residents to take part while also showcasing the municipality’s heritage and creative industries.
Local officials said the event serves as a strategic initiative to promote unity, civic pride, and inclusive development at the grassroots level.
Mayor Kathleen Roxas underscored the importance of collective effort in ensuring the success of the inaugural celebration.
“Buong pusong pasasalamat ang aking ipinapaabot sa inyong lahat na naging bahagi ng matagumpay na 10-day celebration ng kauna-unahang Sikhayani Festival ng Bayan ng Paniqui (I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who were part of the successful 10-day celebration of the first-ever Sikhayani Festival of the Town of Paniqui),” Roxas said.
She said the celebration reflects the town’s shared identity and aspirations.
“Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay hindi lamang isang selebrasyon. Ito ay simbolo ng ating pagkakakilanlan, kultura, at sama-samang pangarap para sa mas maunlad na bayan (This festival is not just a celebration. It is a symbol of our identity, culture, and collective dream for a more prosperous town),” she added.
Roxas also recognized the contributions of the Sangguniang Bayan, department heads, municipal employees, and the organizing committee for their efforts in preparing and carrying out the activities.
District Two of the Municipality of Paniqui in Tarlac emerges as the Grand Champion during the 1st Sikhayani Festival Grand Street Dance Competition and also bags the Best in Costume award. (Municipal Government of Paniqui)
Participation from various community groups showed a whole-of-community approach that supports national government efforts to preserve culture and promote local tourism.
Local leaders also aim to make the festival an annual tradition to sustain community involvement and further strengthen Paniqui’s cultural identity.
“Hindi lang tayo nagdiwang. Tayo ay nagsimula ng isang makasaysayang tradisyon, isang pamana na ipagmamalaki ng bawat Paniqueno (We didn’t just celebrate. We started a historic tradition, a legacy that every Paniqueno will be proud of),” Roxas said.
With the staging of its first Sikhayani Festival, Paniqui demonstrates how cultural initiatives can unite communities and support local development goals. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
