About Sandugo
About Sandugo
The Sandugo is a celebration staged every July to commemorate the Treaty of Friendship between Boholano Chieftain Rajah Sikatuna and Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The 16th-century peace treaty occurred on 25 March 1565 in Loay through a blood compact dubbed locally as ”sandugo” or “usang dugo” (NHI Resolution No. 4, S. 2005).
The traditional ceremony of Sandugo involved an exchange of blood between two leaders as a pledge of friendship and alliance. Since its inception in the early 1990s, the Sandugo has served as a platform to promote Bohol’s culture, heritage, and traditions.
The holding of the Sandugo is also held in July to coincide with the reunions of Boholanos from across the world and from across the country in Bohol. The City Government of Tagbilaran led the organizing of the Sandugo before it was transferred to the Provincial Government of Bohol.
Mission
To honor the historic treaty “one blood” of 1565 by showcasing Bohol’s unique culture, traditions, and arts; to provide an inclusive and engaging platform for both locals and visitors; to promote sustainable tourism; and to preserve the island’s treasures for future generations.
Vision
To be a leading cultural festival that unites people from diverse backgrounds and celebrates the rich heritage of Bohol, Sandugo sa Bohol aspires to create an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie through Sandugo festivities.
The birth of a tradition
The traditional ceremony of Sandugo involved an exchange of blood between two leaders as a pledge of friendship and alliance. Since its inception in the early 1990s, the Sandugo has served as a platform to promote Bohol’s culture, heritage, and traditions. The holding of Sandugo is also held in July to coincide with the reunions of Boholanos from across the world and from across the country in Bohol. The City Government of Tagbilaran led the organizing of the Sandugo before it was transferred to the Provincial Government of Bohol.
