IPIL, Sibugay Province — A colorful parade, participated in by provincial government employees, military personnel, and students of the different government and private colleges in this province, marks the opening of the 24th  Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay and Sibug-Sibug Festival 2025.

Sibugay Gov. Dr. Dulce Ann Kintanar Hofer said yesterday that the Sibug-Sibug Festival 2025, which runs from 17 to 26 February, will feature the province’s rich culture and heritage.

 The 24th  Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay and Sibug-Sibug Festival  is also aimed at  bringing together the province’s 16 municipalities in a grand display of unity and pride, the governor of the province said. 

 After the parade, a drum and lyre competition for the elementary and secondary level was held followed by a cosplay competition, marching formations, military bands, colorful banners and displays of military equipment. 

It is also aimed at demonstrating the strong bond between the civilian population, men in uniform and the Provincial Local Government.

 Each of the 16 municipalities in the province also joined in the agri-trade fair, showcasing the different products they produce in their respective towns.

 In the evening, a grand fireworks display was held at the provincial government ground plaza with Department of Education officials and other government agencies in attendance.

 Former Senator Manny Pacquiao will also grace the founding anniversary on 22 February while on 24 February, Senator Imee Marcos will unveil the statue of the late Zamboanga del Sur 3rd District Representative Dr. George T. Hofer who was then appointed and later elected as its first governor in 2001.

 At the culmination of the festival, there will be a display of the longest “Talaba grill” at the Sibugay provincial capitol ground at the Capitol site, Barangay Ipil Heights in this town.