SANTIKAN FESTIVAL
By: Noel P. Cuevas, SB Member, 1995
First Revision: Allen Joe A. Lumanta MTO-D, 2010
On the dawn of 24th Araw ng Trento when the first festival was launched the word “santikan” emerged as a very significant label of the celebration.
Derived from the word “santik” which means “strike” , “santikan” for the Manobos means the clash of two hard objects that cause friction or fire. In the historic days of Trento, this word was often used by the natives as an invitation to a contest – usually a competition between two Manobo warriors or the ostensible “baganis”.
While the Municipality of Trento was on its younger age of then 24, it needed for the most appropriate word that will identify the celebration of its founding day. Luckily, a young mind from the old tribe came to the scene and conceptualized “santikan” as a festival, not because of its literal meaning but because of an optimistic vision to generate collaborated efforts of the people who aim for the betterment of Trento.
In the onset of the 20th century, “santikan” acquired its modern connotation. The town folks of Trento twisted the term’s adverse impact into a favorable benchmark. Now, Santikan Festival carries with it a contemporary meaning as a festival of contests that challenges everyone to strive restlessly in the quest for a more peaceful and progressive Trento.
This is the reason why competitions like the Search for the Best Farmer of Trento, Agro-industrial Fair, Socio-Cultural Showcases, Sporting Events, Indigenous Games, Barangayan, and many others are lined up to highlight the weeklong celebration.
Soon in the near future, these events are anticipated to carve Santikan Festival of Trento as a remarkable annual spectacular.