CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Barangay Agusan emerged as champion of the Higalaay Festival 2026 Street Dancing Competition, while Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy announced an additional ₱200,000 incentive for each winning contingent.
Uy, through his chief of staff Sheila Lumbatan, announced the additional incentive in recognition of the dancers’ hard work and determination, particularly after they pushed through with their performances despite the rain during the competition.
Agusan topped the seven-contingent showdown, followed by Barangay Carmen in second place and Barangay 17 in third.
Agusan’s winning performance combined colorful costumes, choreography and cultural storytelling, earning the top spot in the competition.
The additional ₱200,000 incentive for each of the top three contingents came on top of the competition’s regular cash prizes, giving the winners an added reward for their months of preparation and rehearsals.
Through Lumbatan, Uy also recognized the contingents for completing their performances despite challenging weather conditions, including rain during the street dancing competition.
The seven participating contingents were Agusan, Bugo, Carmen, Dansolihon, Kauswagan, Macabalan and Barangay 17.
Beyond the prizes, the competition highlighted the dedication of the dancers and the support of their respective barangay communities. Each performance was the result of weeks of rehearsals, physical preparation, coordination and teamwork.
Agusan took the championship, while Carmen and Barangay 17 secured the second- and third-place finishes.
The additional incentive from Uy capped the celebration for the winning contingents and recognized the performers’ effort in helping make the Higalaay Festival a major cultural celebration in Cagayan de Oro.
