The municipality of Sta. Cruz celebrated its 132nd Founding Anniversary on October 1-5, 2016 with the theme “STA. CRUZ: Hagit Atubanga, Kalambuan Padayona”. The five-day celebration was the first under a new set of leadership headed by Mayor Alexis C. Almendras and Vice Mayor Engr. Jaime Lao, Jr.
Day 1 of the celebration was started with a 21-kilometer and 10-kilometer Trail Run showcasing scenic trails of south Sta. Cruz. More or less 200 runners from all over Mindanao participated the foot race that served as the opening salvo. It was followed by a Holy Mass at the St. Joseph Parish, Tree Growing and Coastal Clean Up Drive in Apo Beach, opening of Sta. Cruz Tourism and Agri-Industrial Trade Exhibit (STATE 2016), unveiling of the KAGIKAN Photo Exhibit, Zumba Festival and OPM and Performing Arts Competition.
Barangayan was held on the second day and was highlighted with the Allo’K Tangogoan Street Dancing Competition and Inter-Barangay Sports competition. In the afternoon was the staging of Motocross Racing where majority of the participating-riders came from different places in the Philippines.
On day 3 was the Department of Education Day were different presentations were spearheaded by the DepEd elementary and secondary schools in Sta. Cruz. The 4th Intra-Football Tournament took place in Escandor Football Field while the Search for Mutya ng Sta. Cruz coronation night took place in the evening.
Several minor outdoor competitions happened in Day 4 such as Trisikad Race, Bancathon and Dance Sports contest.
On October 5 was the culmination day and was highlighted with a Grand Parade, Culmination Programme, DepEd Band Presentation, Sports Championship Games and Mayor’s Night Variety Show.
Nightly entertainments were provided by perennial partner San Miguel Brewery, Inc. that added excitement and color to the celebration.
Mayor Almendras was all praises for the different committee of the 132nd Araw ng Sta. Cruz because despite security threats brought about by the Roxas Boulevard Bombing last September in Davao City, the celebration was a huge success. He even promised that the next celebrations will be more festive.
Sta. Cruz is the oldest town in Davao del Sur. At 132 years old, it levels up its vision to be the center of Mt. Apo conservation and Management and Globally-competitive agri-industries.