Pagadian City Celebrates 55th Anniversary with ‘Lechon Festival’
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—A unique festival was held in Pagadian City to mark the city’s 55th charter anniversary. The 4th Lechon Festival featured a roasted pig dressed as a basketball player, which won the title of best lechon.
The festival, which opened at the Baywalk Boulevard with entries from 31 villages, concluded on Friday but continued into Saturday. City Tourism Officer Gerardo San Pablo disclosed that the top winners received cash prizes, with the champion receiving P50,000.
San Pedro Barangay Chairman Dionisio Sumampong’s Boston Celtics-inspired lechon took the crown in the competition, while other winners included lechons dressed in Hawaiian attire and polka dots.
The festival aims to celebrate the local market success of roasted pig, which has gained popularity among customers in Manila and Cebu. Mayor Samuel Co highlighted the importance of daily flights to Cebu and Manila in delivering lechon orders.
Overall, the festival served as a vibrant celebration of Pagadian City’s culture and culinary traditions, showcasing the creativity and talent of its residents.
