Another source of pride is added to the profile of Tagum City as two national institutions declared the City of Palms as the Marching Showband Capital of the Philippines.
The recognition was announced and given by the Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda sa Pilipinas (PASAMBAP) and the Philippine Alliance of Marching Showbands Incorporated (PAMSBI) during the Avenida Musika Brass Band Showdown Competition, one of the featured events of the Musikahan Festival.
Said organizations, which lead in helping marching bands in the country to develop and expand through the implementation of their many programs, bestowed the title to Tagum City, having acknowledged the importance given by the city government to the continued execution of programs that help marching bands find a place in the progress of the city.
They also commended the local government for having the Musikahan Festival’s Avenida Musika as it is considered one of the few remaining avenues for brass bands in the country to present and share their talent and music.
Arnel Feliciano, president of PASAMBAP and PAMSBI, said that Tagum City has been successful in the promotion of the brass band community here as evidenced by the growth this community has gone through in the last three (3) years.
“Mangiyak-ngiyak nga ako sa tuwa ng masaksihan ko ang impressive na development ng brass bands dito (sa Tagum),” Feliciano said.
A resolution was finished drafting by PASAMBAP and PAMSBI which needs only few more data so as to make the proclamation of Tagum City as the Marching Showband Capital formal.
Mayor Allan Rellon said in an interview that he is thankful for the recognition given by the two national institutions. He also vowed to sustain the programs anchored on assisting the brass band community here as well as in making next year’s Musikahan Festival an international event.
Meanwhile, the result of Avenida Musika declared Tagum City Unified Marching Band as this year’s champion, garnering the highest prize of P100,000. Tagum City Cluster Band won the second spot with the equivalent cash prize of P70,000, while Digos City National High School Marching Band ranked third, pocketing the 50,000-peso prize.
Other champions declared during the Musikahan Festival were Footwear Band for Tunog Tagum Songwriting Battle of the Bands, Magugpo Pilot Central Elementary School Blue Pigeons for Drumline Battle (Elementary Category) and Baton Twirling (Elementary) and Davao Eagles Scout Marching Band for the Color Guards Competition and Drumline Battle (Open Category). (Roy Banias/ CIO Tagum)
