26/08/2026
Ka'aNiYogan: Putting Tarragona on the map
Years back, the Municipality of Tarragona was generally considered "a town beside the popular Mati City" in Davao Oriental, and a route toward the Municipality of Manay, Baganga, and an alternative direction towards Surigao City.
Its identity was more of a town that could be passed by when going to a certain destination on the eastern coast of Mindanao, rather than a place people would intentionally visit.
Behind that connotation, Tarragona actually has vast opportunities to offer.
It has rich coconut farming and copra production, its land is suitable for high-value crops and grain farming, as well as cacao and banana production. It also has rich marine resources, a vibrant culture.
But more than that, it is a home for talents waiting to be exposed on a bigger stage.
However, all of these remained hidden within the small, peaceful town for years.
Not until visionary, innovative, and dedicated leadership emerged.
Mayor Art Benjie "Kaka" Bulaong has changed the game for Tarragona.
After 60 years, Tarragona finally welcomed its own festivalโthe Ka'aNiYogan Festivalโa celebration of the town's culture, people, and rich natural resources.
It brought color to what was once a traditional celebration of its founding anniversary.
Ka'aNiYogan paved the way for local artists and talents to showcase what Tarragona is capable of.
Inspired by the indak-indak of Kadayawan, the Ka'aNiYogan Festival organized its first street dance competition, dubbed "Yogyogan sa Kadalanan," which exposed the creativity, artistry, and energy of Tarragonian performers and musicians.
So, it ignited a desire to take it to where it was inspired. Tarragona, represented by the Ka'aNiYogan Performing Arts Guild, joined the 2026 Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan.
And they won.
They won because many heard of their town's name. They won because they represented their municipality with pride.
Not the competition though, but the hearts of the Tarragonians.
From a breakthrough Yogyogan sa Kadalanan to a "We knew we could make it" moment at the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan.
The moral of its pursuit isn't about winning the competition, but about relishing each moment of the journey.
Tarragona's long-shot entry in the Indak-Indak is another story of how believing in oneself propels people to greater heights.
Mayor Bulaong believed in the Tarragonians, and they delivered.
Tarragona is now not just "a town beside Mati City or a road toward Surigao City," but a home to people with big dreams.
For Mayor Bulaong, KaโaNiYogan isnโt just his legacyโitโs a legacy that belongs to every Tarragonian and deserves to be recognized.
