Perceptions of Impacts and Challenges of the Panaghiusa Festival in Claver, Surigao del Norte

The Panaghiusa Festival, celebrated annually in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, is a 13-day cultural and religious event that honors Saint Peter Claver and symbolizes resilience, unity, and gratitude. This study examined the opportunities and challenges of the festival as a driver of community development and tourism. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 150 respondents equally divided among residents, business owners, and festival participants. Data were collected through a validated researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ranking, and Pearson’s chi-square test. Findings revealed that the festival had a high perceptions of impact across four domains: community participation, community development, business, and tourism. The strongest perceptions of impact was observed in business, where local enterprises benefited from increased sales, brand exposure, and partnerships. Community participation also scored high, reflecting strengthened social cohesion and civic involvement. However, operational challenges such as parking shortages, waste management issues, overcrowding, and heavy traffic were consistently reported. Significant relationships were found between respondents’ gender and educational attainment and their perceptions of the festival’s perceptions of impact, while age, civil status, and employment status showed no significant influence. The study concludes that the Panaghiusa Festival is both a cultural celebration and a catalyst for socioeconomic growth. To sustain its benefits, the local government and organizers should adopt strategic measures addressing infrastructure, sustainability, and inclusivity. The findings provide insights for policymakers, festival managers, and tourism stakeholders in designing culturally authentic and economically viable festivals that foster long-term community development. Keywords: Panaghiusa Festival; Cultural Tourism; Community Development; Socioeconomic Perceptions of impact; Sustainable Festival Management; Philippines