POLANCO, Zamboanga del Norte — After a decade-long hiatus, the Municipality of Polanco proudly revives one of its most memorable and community-driven celebrations — the Paugnat Festival 2026, a weeks-long festival centered on sportsmanship, camaraderie, youth development, wellness, and unity.
The return of the festival marks a historic moment for the municipality, rekindling a tradition first pioneered during the administration of former Mayor, now Congressman Roberto “Pinpin” Uy Jr., whose vision helped establish Paugnat Festival as a symbol of active community participation and healthy competition among Polancohanons.
This year’s revival carries the theme of reconnecting communities through sports and collective celebration, bringing together athletes, youth organizations, schools, barangays, sports enthusiasts, and families in a month-long lineup of tournaments, exhibitions, and civic activities.
Organized by the Local Government Unit of Polanco under the leadership of Mayor Shaia Ruth “Ying” Uy, the festival officially opened on May 3, 2026, and will culminate on June 14, 2026 with one of its most anticipated highlights — the Paugnat 2026 Polanco Run.
A Festival Rooted in Sports and Community
Unlike traditional town fiestas centered mainly on entertainment, the Paugnat Festival has always been recognized for promoting athleticism, discipline, teamwork, and community involvement.
The revival of the festival has generated excitement among residents, former participants, sports clubs, and returning Polancohanons who fondly remember the festival’s earlier years. Social media posts and community reactions online have described the comeback as both nostalgic and inspiring, with many expressing appreciation for the return of a celebration that once united the municipality through sports and fellowship.
Festival organizers emphasized that the return of Paugnat Festival is more than just a series of competitions. It is also an avenue to strengthen community ties, encourage healthy lifestyles, provide opportunities for local athletes, and inspire the younger generation to actively participate in sports and civic activities.
Weeks-Long Celebration Begins with Dance and Volleyball Competitions
The opening day of the festival on May 3 featured the Latin Dancesport Competition at the Polanco Municipal Gymnasium, setting the tone for an energetic and vibrant celebration.
Beginning May 4, the municipality officially launched the Summer Open Volleyball League Tournament Elimination Round, which gathered participating teams from various barangays, municipalities, and local organizations. Volleyball enthusiasts and supporters filled the gymnasium as teams competed in the elimination phase that lasted until May 10.
Simultaneously, the Lawn Tennis Tournament Double Elimination Round also commenced on May 4 at the Polanco Tennis Court and continued until May 13, showcasing the growing interest in lawn tennis within the municipality.
Basketball, one of the festival’s major crowd-drawers, officially opened on May 6 through the Open Commercial Basketball Tournament Elimination Round, drawing strong participation from local commercial teams and basketball clubs.
Community Games and Specialty Competitions Bring Excitement
On May 9, festival-goers witnessed a variety of activities including the beloved Larong Pinoy, which highlighted traditional Filipino games and encouraged participation among children and adults alike.
The same day also featured the opening of the Dart Tournament and the Airgun Shooting Competition, giving space to specialized sports disciplines and attracting participants from different areas of the municipality.
The following day, May 10, competitions continued with another round of the Dart Tournament and Airgun Shooting events, while cycling enthusiasts took center stage during the Invitational Mountain Bike Road Race Challenge held along the Polanco Poblacion area and highway routes.
The mountain bike challenge became one of the most talked-about outdoor events of the festival, highlighting both athletic endurance and the scenic routes of Polanco.
Volleyball Finals, Badminton, and Special Basketball Games Draw Large Crowds
As the festival entered its second week, spectators gathered once again at the Polanco Municipal Gymnasium for the Summer Open Volleyball League Tournament Finals on May 11.
On May 12, badminton players showcased their skills during the Badminton Tournament, while young athletes participated in the much-anticipated Special Basketball Game (Kid’s Edition).
The same day also featured a Special Basketball Game (Bekitball), adding inclusivity and entertainment to the celebration while promoting diversity and participation.
Sepak Takraw and Esports Join the Festival Lineup
One of the unique aspects of Paugnat Festival 2026 is its diverse lineup of sporting events.
On May 13, the municipality launched the Sepak Takraw Tournament, recognizing the growing popularity of the Southeast Asian sport among local athletes.
The festival also embraced modern competitive gaming through the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Finals held on May 14, drawing younger participants and online gaming enthusiasts.
The inclusion of esports reflects the festival’s efforts to adapt to evolving interests while still maintaining its core mission of community participation.
Championship Rounds Intensify Festival Spirit
As the tournament schedule progressed, championship games intensified the excitement across the municipality.
The Open Commercial Basketball Tournament Semi-Finals were held on May 13, followed by the highly anticipated Open Commercial Basketball Tournament Finals on May 15.
The Badminton Tournament Finals also concluded on May 13, while the Lawn Tennis Tournament Championship Round took place on May 14.
Meanwhile, the Sepak Takraw competitions continued throughout the week, culminating in the Sepak Takraw Tournament Championship on May 15.
Cycling competitions also remained among the festival highlights, particularly the Invitational Circuit Race Challenge held at the Polanco Central School Oval.
Awarding Ceremony and Street Party Cap Off Main Festival Events
To celebrate the success of the weeks-long sports festivities, the municipality scheduled the Awarding Ceremony and Street Party with Live Band on May 15 at the Polanco Municipal Grounds.
The event is expected to gather athletes, organizers, supporters, barangay officials, and residents in a grand celebration recognizing the achievements and participation of all competing teams and individuals.
Festival organizers said the street party symbolizes unity, gratitude, and the shared success of the revived festival.
Paugnat 2026 Polanco Run Emerges as Major Highlight
While the May tournaments form the heart of the celebration, one of the most anticipated highlights of the entire festival is the Paugnat 2026 Polanco Run, scheduled on June 14, 2026.
The run is expected to attract participants from different municipalities and nearby provinces, further positioning Polanco as an emerging destination for sports tourism and wellness-centered events.
Mayor Ying Uy said the activity aims to promote fitness, healthy living, and community engagement while encouraging participants to experience the hospitality and vibrant spirit of Polanco.
Residents and running enthusiasts have already expressed excitement online for the upcoming event, with many describing it as a fitting culmination to the month-long celebration.
Reviving Tradition, Building Community
For many Polancohanons, the return of Paugnat Festival represents more than nostalgia.
It signifies the revival of a meaningful community tradition that once brought together residents through friendly competition, volunteerism, and shared celebration.
The festival also serves as a tribute to the vision of former Mayor Roberto “Pinpin” Uy Jr., whose administration pioneered the Paugnat Festival years ago and helped establish its identity as a sports-centered municipal celebration.
As the municipality continues to grow and evolve, local leaders hope that Paugnat Festival 2026 will inspire a new generation to value sportsmanship, unity, discipline, and civic pride.
With weeks of tournaments, community participation, cultural energy, and the highly anticipated Polanco Run still ahead, Paugnat Festival 2026 stands as one of the biggest and most meaningful celebrations in Polanco’s recent history — a true showcase of the strength, talent, and unity of the Polancohanons.