By Christian Cabañas, Anchor, Brigada News FM Trento

Every year in the southern Philippine town of Trento, a vibrant cultural display unfolds in celebration of abundance and unity. The Dagayani Festival, named after a native term for thanksgiving, has become a significant event for residents and a growing point of interest for domestic tourists seeking to engage with local traditions.

Held in the heart of Agusan del Sur, the festival is rooted in the town’s agricultural heritage. Trento is known for its fertile lands and hardworking communities, and the Dagayani Festival serves as both recognition and gratitude for the year’s harvest. At the same time, it functions as a platform for showcasing local customs, sustainable livelihood practices, and community-based tourism initiatives.

Tradition in Motion

The festival’s main attraction is the street dancing competition, where participants from different barangays perform choreographed routines set to rhythmic drum beats. Costumes made from native materials, woven textiles, and symbolic props reflect the town’s indigenous influences and farming identity.

Each performance is more than just entertainment—it narrates stories of planting, harvesting, and communal cooperation. For spectators, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness how art, agriculture, and history are interwoven in local celebrations.

The event also highlights Trento’s ethnic diversity. Cultural presentations feature songs and skits from various groups within the municipality, including Lumad communities, who bring ancestral knowledge and artistry to the forefront of the festival.

Local Economy in Focus

While the Dagayani Festival is a time for celebration, it also provides tangible benefits for the local economy. Farmers, fisherfolk, craftsmen, and small business owners participate in trade fairs and product showcases that coincide with the festivities. Tourists visiting during the week-long event often purchase handmade goods, agricultural produce, and traditional food, directly supporting the livelihoods of Trento’s residents.

Temporary employment opportunities also emerge during festival season, including roles in event management, catering, transportation, and security. Local tour guides—some of whom are students or part-time workers—help visitors navigate the municipality, contributing to community engagement and cultural exchange.

According to Trento’s municipal tourism office, attendance for the festival has steadily increased, bringing both economic activity and greater interest in heritage preservation. In recent years, festival organizers have emphasized sustainable tourism practices, including the reduction of single-use plastics, proper waste disposal, and sourcing of materials from within the region.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

Trento is accessible via land travel from Butuan City or Davao City, with buses and vans regularly plying the Maharlika Highway. The town is approximately five hours from Butuan and seven hours from Davao, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Accommodations in Trento and nearby towns range from inns to homestays, providing options for various budgets.

The municipality ensures a smooth visitor experience through designated information booths, safety checkpoints, and coordination with local police and disaster response teams. Festival schedules are typically released in advance via the town’s official social media pages and local radio stations.

More Than a Celebration

In the context of rising interest in cultural and community-based tourism across Mindanao, the Dagayani Festival stands out as a grassroots initiative. It fosters a deeper understanding of local identity while providing a space for collective appreciation and reflection.

Beyond the colorful parades and music, visitors often leave with a renewed sense of connection—to the land, to cultural heritage, and to the resilience of rural communities. For locals, Dagayani is a time to reaffirm shared values, honor hard work, and welcome others into their story.

For travelers seeking something authentic and grounded, Trento’s Dagayani Festival offers an enriching experience—one rooted not just in festivity but in the enduring spirit of gratitude.

By DelightfulPH