By Christian Cabañas, Anchor, Brigada News FM Trento
Every June, Agusan del Sur becomes a dynamic stage for cultural heritage through the Naliyagan Festival, a weeklong celebration spotlighting the province’s Indigenous communities and local traditions. Held in time with the country’s Independence Day, the event offers a window into the customs of the Manobo tribe and other lumad groups that have long called this part of Mindanao home.
Naliyagan, meaning “the chosen one,” brings together rituals, dances, crafts, food, and community gatherings that reflect centuries-old practices. While it has grown to include modern elements, the festival remains grounded in its purpose: cultural preservation and communal reflection.
Each year, the festival begins with a traditional thanksgiving ritual performed by a baylan, or tribal priest, setting a solemn tone of gratitude and reverence. It then gives way to a variety of activities, from tribal dance competitions and cultural parades to cooking exhibitions and artisan fairs.
More than a tourist attraction, Naliyagan is a demonstration of how culture can coexist with economic development. Local businesses, craftspeople and food vendors benefit from the influx of visitors. The event has helped boost small-scale enterprises that rely on foot traffic and visibility. According to provincial officials, festival-related commerce provides temporary employment for hundreds of residents annually, particularly those involved in logistics, food services, event production and tour guiding.
For many in the region, these days of celebration also offer a pause from daily routine. The festival’s atmosphere — marked by drumbeats, chanting, and community-led events — creates an environment conducive to relaxation and reconnection. Mental health experts note that participation in communal cultural activities like this can help lower stress, improve mood, and foster social cohesion.
Mindanao’s relative distance from major urban hubs may deter some travelers, but infrastructure improvements in recent years have increased accessibility. Agusan del Sur can be reached via commercial flights to Bancasi Airport in Butuan City, roughly two hours away by land from the festival grounds in Prosperidad. Transportation options include rental cars, buses, and vans for hire. Within town, local habal-habal motorcycles and tricycles are commonly used.
While Agusan del Sur’s tourism sector is still developing, local officials are taking steps to balance growth with environmental and cultural sustainability. Single-use plastics are discouraged at festival venues, and the Provincial Tourism Office has emphasized responsible waste management and community-led conservation efforts. Public-private partnerships are also in place to ensure fair compensation for Indigenous performers and artisans whose work anchors the festival.
The Agro-Industrial Fair, one of the core components of the celebration, further illustrates how tourism intersects with agriculture. Exhibitors display local crops, livestock, and food products, offering both economic opportunity and cultural insight. This aspect of the festival aligns with Mindanao’s push to integrate agri-tourism as a pillar of sustainable development.
Perhaps one of the most unique events is the Bae Naliyagan, a cultural pageant where contestants showcase their understanding of tribal history and community service. It provides a platform for young Indigenous women to represent their roots while addressing contemporary issues.
Though Agusan del Sur lacks the high-profile beaches or commercial resorts of other Philippine destinations, it offers an experience rooted in authenticity and collective memory. For travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the country beyond leisure, the Naliyagan Festival presents a compelling reason to visit.
