San Francisco De Asis Parish Tagakpan Celebrates 27th Parochial Fiesta With Week-Long Festivities

A week-long celebration of faith, community, culture, and fellowship marked the 27th Parochial Fiesta of San Francisco de Asis Parish – Tagakpan, culminating on October 4, 2026, the Feast of San Francisco de Asis.

The celebration officially gained momentum on September 27 with the La Carovana de San Francisco, a grand procession that brought together the different communities of the parish in a colorful expression of devotion to their patron saint.

Dubbed The Grand Procession, La Carovana featured beautifully prepared floats representing the different zones and communities of the parish. The procession began at Petro Gazz Station in Purok Crossing, Tagakpan, and traversed approximately three kilometers toward the parish. The floats, including the grand float of San Francisco de Asis, were blessed by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Mario B. Holmina, OSJ.

The activity highlighted the parish’s unity as the different communities journeyed together in faith, inspired by the life and spirituality of St. Francis, particularly his love for creation and his call to peace.

Motorcade and Floral Float Parade

The fiesta celebration continued on October 3 with the Motorcade and Floral Float Parade, bringing another wave of color and excitement to the parish community.

The different Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKKs) showcased their creativity through their own floral floats. The floats became moving expressions of faith and devotion, adorned with flowers and carefully prepared designs in honor of the parish patron.

Joining the festive procession were the candidates for Mr. and Mrs. San Francisco de Asis (SFDA), who rode on the floats representing their respective GKKs.

The motorcade was followed by the much-anticipated Coronation Night, where the parish community gathered for an evening of celebration and fellowship.

This year’s coronation brought a unique and entertaining twist, as the Parish Spiritual Coordinators (PSKs) of the different GKKs served as the candidates for Mr. and Mrs. SFDA. Their participation transformed the activity into a joyful celebration of camaraderie among the parish communities.

At the end of the evening, Mr. Marcelo Lupiba and Mrs. Maria Denia Lupiba were crowned Mr. and Mrs. San Francisco de Asis 2026, respectively.

Pontifical Fiesta Mass

The centerpiece of the celebration was the Pontifical Fiesta Mass held on October 4, 2026, at 9:00 in the morning.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, bringing together parishioners, devotees, guests, and members of the different GKKs to give thanks for another year of blessings and fellowship.

The celebration of the Eucharist served as the spiritual heart of the fiesta, reminding the parish community that all the festivities ultimately point toward the life of faith and the communion of the people of God.

As the parish honored San Francisco de Asis, the faithful were once again reminded of the saint’s enduring witness to simplicity, humility, peace, service, and care for creation.

An Afternoon of Music and Sports

The celebration continued into the afternoon with activities that brought together young people and families through music and sports.

One of the highlights was the Drum and Lyre Competition, where participating groups showcased their musical talent, discipline, creativity, and teamwork. The competition added energy and excitement to the fiesta celebration as the participants filled the venue with rhythmic performances.

The afternoon also featured a basketball friendly game, bringing together athletes and sports enthusiasts in a celebration of friendship and community.

Adding star power to the friendly match were Aaron Bayanban and Gian Bulasa, members of the DAVRAA Boys, who were invited to play during the exhibition game. Their participation gave the local basketball community an opportunity to see and interact with athletes who have represented the Davao Region in competition.

A Celebration of Faith and Community

From the solemnity of the Eucharist to the vibrant colors of the floats, the energy of the Coronation Night, the music of the Drum and Lyre Competition, and the excitement of the basketball friendly game, the 27th Parochial Fiesta of San Francisco de Asis Parish – Tagakpan became a celebration that brought together people of different ages, communities, and interests. (Jeffren P. Miguel)