“Dugoy” is derived from the word “sandugo” which means blood compact between Sablayeños and the first inhabitants of Sablayan, the Mangyan tribes. It is a celebration of the Dugoy Spirit or camaraderie between and among various cultures found in the town of Sablayan. Its celebration coincides with the town fiesta. The street dancing showcases the different ethno-cultural groups of the Mangyan, as well as those that came from different parts of the Philippines and eventually settled in Sablayan.
The Dugoy Festival of Sablayan, Occidental won “Best Festival Practices and Performances” at the Aliw Awards in 2023. Adding to the list of the Philippines’ best, which is the first in the MIMAROPA Region to receive this very prestigious award.
