ILIGAN City — Iligan City is gearing up for a month-long celebration as the Diyandi Festival 2026 brings cultural performances, religious traditions, sports and entertainment to the city this September.
With the theme “One Culture. One Heritage. One Celebration,” the festival aims to unite Iligan’s Higaonon, Maranao and Christian communities while showcasing the city’s cultural heritage.
The celebration culminates on September 29, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, Iligan’s patron saint and protector.
For residents and visitors, the festival will feature traditional activities such as the Pagpananghid ritual, Pagpakanaug procession and nine-day novena, along with cultural performances including Diyandi dance, Yawa-yawa and Sinulog traditions.
Mayor Frederick W. Siao said Diyandi is more than an annual fiesta, describing it as a tradition that Iliganons must preserve and pass on to future generations.
Atty. Riezel Reen P. Angas, chairperson of the Iligan City Executive Management Board, said the festival seeks to strengthen unity among the city’s diverse communities.
P20M festival budget
The city government has set aside around P20 million for this year’s Diyandi Festival, covering cultural, religious, sports and entertainment activities.
Organizers are also expecting thousands of visitors. City Tourism Officer Hannah Padilla said Iligan recorded about 56,000 tourist arrivals in September 2025, with organizers hoping to match or exceed that figure this year.
Major activities include the Pagpakanaug, Kasadya Street dancing, open-category competitions, pickleball and volleyball, which are expected to attract participants and visitors from neighboring areas.
Police, responders on alert
With large crowds expected, the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) has requested additional personnel to reinforce security during the festival.
Police Lt. Col. Glen Janog said more than 140 police personnel will augment the city's security force. Officers will be deployed around the clock, particularly during major events and other activities expected to draw large crowds.
Authorities are also preparing signal-jamming measures during major events as part of their security plan.
Meanwhile, the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ICDRRMO) has activated a Blue Alert for the festival period.
ICDRRMO Chief Armien Alorro said emergency and medical teams will maintain heightened readiness and coordinate with security forces.
He urged residents and visitors to follow traffic and crowd-control rules, including “No Entry” and “No Parking” restrictions in designated areas.
“Mo-follow lang ta sa rules,” Alorro said, appealing to the public to cooperate with authorities to help keep the celebration safe.
With its mix of culture, faith, sports and entertainment, Diyandi 2026 is expected to draw both Iliganons and visitors while highlighting the city’s shared heritage and identity.
