Roxas | January 25
The municipality of Roxas serves as the center of trade: and commerce in the southern part of Oriental Mindoro because of its bountiful products - palay and fruits like bananas, rambutan, lanzones and mango, aquatic harvests, and the different vegetables that abound in its farms. SIPAG festival is a celebration that features the various produce of the locality. S stands for saging (banana), I for isda (fish), P for prutas (fruits), PA for palay, and G for gulay (vegetables). The term "sipag” embodies the diligence and ingenuity of the people of Roxas..
The word SIPAG stands for the town’s key products:
S – Saging (Banana)
I – Isda (Fish)
P – Prutas (Fruits)
PA – Palay (Rice grain)
G – Gulay (Vegetables)
These products are showcased through vibrant street dancing, trade fairs, and exhibitions, creatively presenting how they shape the daily lives and economy of Roxas. Dancers wear costumes inspired by local produce, parading with lively choreography that represents the harvesting and livelihood practices of the town.
A Celebration of Industry and Culture
Beyond its acronym, the word "sipag" in Filipino also means diligence, reflecting the hard work, creativity, and unity of the people of Roxas. The festival is both a thanksgiving and a tribute—honoring the spirit of perseverance and enterprise that has made the town a vital hub in Oriental Mindoro.
The SIPAG Festival is more than a cultural celebration; it’s a statement of pride in agriculture, trade, and community strength—key elements that continue to drive Roxas forward.
