GINGOOG CITY — Residents and visitors can look forward to nearly three weeks of pageants, cultural showcases, sports competitions, food festivals, and tourism activities after Mayor Erick G. Cañosa officially launched the city's 66th Charter Day and 47th Grand Kaliga Festival during Monday's flag-raising ceremony at City Hall.
The kickoff featured the presentation of the 16 candidates for Miss City Charter 2026, one of the festival's major highlights.
Mayor Cañosa urged Gingoognons to unite and take part in the celebration, saying the annual festival is an opportunity to honor the city's heritage while boosting tourism, local businesses, and community pride.
Among the biggest events are the groundbreaking of the Gingoog City United Hospital and Maternity Center on July 17, the Miss Gingoog 2026 Grand Coronation Night on July 21, the Grand Kaliga Festival Street Dancing Competition and Showdown on July 23, and the Lechon Festival on July 25.
The month-long celebration also includes an Entrepreneurs' Summit, Agro Fair, sports tournaments, a civic-military motorcade, a music festival, a trail run, a Mt. Lumot climb, and a free-diving activity.
Another unique attraction is the underwater enthronement of the Stella Maris Marian statue in Barangay San Juan on July 30, a project initiated by a group of former seminarians.
Acting City Tourism Officer Ramon N. Reyes said several activities are already underway, including Café Unite at The Bay, the Kaliga Festival Merkato, pickleball, futsal, and shooting competitions.
The celebration will also feature Kabilin Year 4: Hulagway from July 16 to 31, showcasing products and exhibits from Gingoog City's cultural mapping at the City Museum and Archives.
The Grand Kaliga Festival, first celebrated in 1979, comes from the word "Kaliga," meaning thanksgiving. The festival honors the city's Manobo and Higaonon heritage through cultural rituals and street dancing while expressing gratitude for the community's blessings and prosperity.
