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The Agusan del Sur Artists Guild emerged as the champion of the “Festival of Festivals” category, bringing home one million pesos. The contingent from Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, was first runner-up, while Surigao City National High School Special Program in the Arts took home the second runner-up title, walking away with P500,000 and P300,000 cash prizes, respectively.
In the Bonok-Bonok based category, Surigao City Central Elementary School secured the championship title with a cash prize of P500,000. Hingas San Juan Performing Arts of Surigao City National High School claimed the first runner-up position and received a cash prize of P350,000, while Bagtik Sumasajaw Nan Canlanipa of Canlanipa National High School was second runner-up, earning P200,000.[]
Local historians said the Bonok-Bonok Festival finds its roots in the indigenous Mamanwa Tribe, who are native to Surigao. “Bonok” translates to “heavy downpour,” symbolizing a blessing from the heavens. The repetition of “Bonok-Bonok” signifies a continuous outpouring of blessings.[]
