IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The celebration of the 9th anniversary of Zamboanga Sibugay reels off here on Tuesday, with Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilbert Teodoro and his running mate Edu Manzano as guests of honor during the main program on February 24.

Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. George T. Hofer said the 10-day long “Araw ng Sibugay” rites will focus on the theme “Ang Kalambuan sa Sibugay – Sa Kamot sa Sibugaynon” (The progress of Sibugay is in the hands of the Sibugaynons.)

Hofer said provincial and municipal officials from various parts of Western Mindanao and neighboring regions are also expected to grace the “Araw” festivities which had been tagged by many as the latest “most-sought festival” in the Southern Philippines.

He said the celebration will also feature an Agro-Trade-Tourism Fair and conduct various entertainment activities including student cheer dance, street dance, and drum corps competitions.

Also lined up is a kilometer-long “Talaba Grille” which will be participated in by visitors and residents as well as the “Search for Miss Zamboanga Sibugay,” Hofer said, adding that various sports activities – including drag race, mountain bike race, motocross, a 10-kilomter run, and ball games – have also been scheduled.

The “Araw” rites will culminate on Hofer’s birthday on February 26 which will display a “Sibug-Sibug” festival showdown competition.

The creation of Zamboanga Sibugay, the country’s 79th and Mindanao’s 25th province, was initiated by then Rep. George T. Hofer (3rd District, Zamboanga del Sur) through House Bill No. 1311.

The bill was enacted into law through Republic Act No. 8973 signed in November, 2000 by then President Joseph Estrada.