Part of Ormoc City’s annual fiesta celebration
TACLOBAN CITY – STI College Ormoc’s ‘Pundok Nagkahiusang Ormocanon’ emerged as the winner again in this year’s Piña Festival held at the city’s plaza on June 25.
The festival is among the lined-up activities of the city’s annual fiesta, now on its 426th year in honor of Saints Peter and Paul.
Pundok Nagkahiusang Ormocanon was the winner of the 2019 Piña Festival before the annual celebration was temporary stopped in 2020 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The contingent won P500, 000 cash prize and Best in costume, best in graphic design, best choreographer, and best in street dancing.
‘Pundok Kasadpan’ of Western Leyte College of Ormoc bagged the 1st place and won P450,000, while Pundok Sidlakan of Eastern Visayas State University was the 2nd place and won P400,000.
Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez handed over the trophy and cash prize to the winners.
“This festival is our form of gratitude for the many blessings that we have received throughout the years. What we celebrate here is not just about the queen pineapple, what we are celebrating is who we are, as Ormocanon people, the city of resilient, sweet, happy, and beautiful people,” Mayor Torres Gomez said.
In his message, Rep. Gomez expressed his gratitude to all sectors who helped them in the preparation for the return of the Piña Festival this year and those who witnessed and watch the street dance parade and the ritual dance presentation.
“It is you who motivate us to continuously provide you with the best in Ormoc and in the fourth district of Leyte, the best entertainment, the best learning, the best experiences, and most of all the best service to all,” Gomez added.
Aside from awarding the best festival showdown winners, they also crowned the Piña Festival Queen won by Lime Berry Linaga of Ipil National High School, with Geovanna Catalina Dawa of Western Leyte College of Ormoc as 1st runner-up, and Giovana Scala of New Ormoc City National High School in 2nd runner-up. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
