ILIGAN City — About 120,000 devotees and spectators filled St. Michael Cathedral and nearby streets on Sept. 20 as Iligan City brought its faith into the streets for the annual Pagpakanaug, the ceremonial lowering of the image of Señor San Miguel.
The religious rite opened the nine-day novena leading to the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel on Sept. 29 and was one of the major highlights of the Diyandi Festival 2026.
For devotees, the tradition is more than a religious ceremony. It is a time to pray, give thanks, fulfill vows and seek the protection of San Miguel.
St. Michael’s Parish Rector Monsignor Alberto de Lara said lowering the image from its elevated altar brings the patron saint closer to the people.
He said the tradition reminds devotees that God and their patron are always near them.
The rite began after the morning Mass, as priests, city officials and devotees gathered while the image was carefully lowered and transferred to the center of the cathedral.
“Viva, Señor San Miguel!” echoed through the cathedral as devotees welcomed the image.
The faithful offered a Bible, candles and white flowers, symbolizing the Word of God, light and peace. A traditional Diyandi dance was also performed before the image as an expression of devotion, thanksgiving and celebration.
Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao and other local officials joined church leaders and devotees.
Vice President Sara Duterte also attended the celebration and joined devotees in the Pagpakanaug. She greeted and shook hands with people gathered at the cathedral.
Faith carried into the streets
After the ceremony, devotees carried the image of San Miguel in a long procession through major city streets before it was returned to the cathedral.
Thousands walked along the route, praying and fulfilling personal vows.
For Celia Concepcion of Barangay Tambacan, the celebration was a family tradition. She joined the Diyandi dance with her granddaughters and relatives as part of her vow and prayer for the safety of Iligan and its people.
Robinson Oano carried his own image of San Miguel while praying for guidance and a better life.
For Ricky Santiago of Green Heights, Barangay Del Carmen, devotion to San Miguel began after he moved to Iligan from Quiapo, Manila, where he was also a devotee of the Black Nazarene.
Santiago said he turns to San Miguel, whom he considers a protector, during difficult times, including disasters. He sees the archangel’s sword as a symbol of protection.
Alejandro Abejar, 60, said his devotion was passed down by his grandparents and father, who taught him to seek San Miguel’s protection during times of trouble and conflict.
A tradition shared by Iligan
The Pagpakanaug is among the major religious events of the Diyandi Festival, Iligan’s annual celebration of faith, heritage and culture.
The festival brings together the city’s diverse communities, including Christians, Maranaos and Higaonons, whose traditions and cultural expressions contribute to Iligan’s identity.
The Pagpakanaug brings that devotion beyond the cathedral and into the streets, where families, communities and visitors gather in prayer and celebration.
The event also coincided with the anniversary celebration of St. Michael’s Cathedral.
Police said the celebration was generally peaceful. Police Major Zandrex Panolong estimated the crowd at around 120,000.
The Pagpakanaug now ushers in the nine-day novena and other religious and cultural activities leading to the Sept. 29 Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, the culmination of Iligan’s Diyandi Festival celebration.
