The organizers of the Sandugo Festival led by the provincial government of Bohol are planning to include a street party as part of the month-long festivities in Bohol, said a Capitol official.

According to Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II, the activity is intended to highlight the hospitality and friendliness of Boholanos.

However, Damalerio did not elaborate on details of the street party as it is still in the planning stages.

In Cebu City, where the Sinulog Festival is held annually in January, street parties were banned due to problems on crowd control as the festivities have been drawing thousands of partygoers nationwide.

The street parties have also drawn flak for disturbing the solemnity of the Feast of Sr. Sto. Niño.

Sandugo, on the other hand, celebrates the hospitality and friendliness of Boholanos. It commemorates the treaty of friendship between Datu Sikatuna, a chieftain in Bohol, and Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.

The festival is held for a whole month with various activities for locals, “balikbayans” and even tourists.

Two of the more prominent activities are the Sandugo street dancing and Miss Sandugo, Bohol’s annual pageant.

This year, the Sandugo Festival is expected to be more extravagant as it coincides with the biennial Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan.

The province will also be honoring the “10 Outstanding Boholanos” from all over the world.

According to Damalerio, preparations have already started for some of the festival’s activities while organizers are already coordinating with various agencies. (R. Tutas)