CLARIN, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – After a six-year hiatus, the Municipality of Clarin revived its much-anticipated Suman Festival as part of the 105th Araw ng Clarin celebration, drawing spectators from within and outside the town to the Clarin Town Center on February 21.
The comeback of the festival, which was paused from 2020 to 2025, marked a renewed celebration of Clarin’s cultural heritage and community spirit. Local residents and visitors gathered to witness colorful performances and festive activities highlighting the town’s pride in its famed delicacy, suman.
The event was graced by Clarin Mayor Riza “Ging” Oaminal Delos-Santos and Vice Mayor Jojo Roa, along with municipal officials, who joined the community in celebrating the revival of one of Clarin’s most vibrant traditions.
Festival highlights included the Street Dancing Competition and the Grand Showdown, where participating clusters, together with their festival queens, presented creative performances inspired by stories centered on suman and local culture.
In the final tally, Cluster 1 emerged as Champion, followed by Cluster 5 as Second Place and Cluster 3 as Third Place.
According to Department of Tourism – Region X Director Marie Elaine Salvaña-Unchuan, reviving local festivities such as the Suman Festival is vital in preserving cultural identity and stimulating tourism-driven economic activity.
“The creativity, passion, and industriousness of the people of Clarin has made this humble dish into your one town, one product, and one of the best culinary products of Misamis Occidental,”expressed Unchuan.
Clarin’s strong association with suman dates back years prior, notably with the establishment of its Pasalubong Center in 2009, also known as the House of Suman. The initiative elevated the glutinous rice delicacy from a household staple into a recognized symbol of local identity and a sustainable source of livelihood for many Misamisnons.
The successful return of the Suman Festival reflects the municipality’s continued efforts to promote cultural preservation while fostering tourism and local enterprise./PGMO
