The local government of San Miguel officially launched this week the competition for the best San Miguel's hymn.

Councilor Rochin Sherwin Sanchez said those interested in joining have until June 29, 2012 to submit their entries.

Winner will receive P30,000, trophy and certificate while the second placer will get P15,000 in cash and a certificate. All non-winning contestants shall each receive a consolation prize of P5,000 and certificate.

Sanchez said the contest is open to residents of San Miguel, their relatives and those related to them by affinity.

The hymn must be in Hiligaynon and must reflect the culture, tradition, history, religiosity, values, resources and products of San Miguel.

The winners will be chosen during the public performance of the entries on People's Day Celebration of San Miguel on September 29, 2012.

Earlier, Sanchez told the PIA the competition was conceived so that San Miguel will have an official hymn.

The launching of the competition was held last May 1 during the opening salvo of the town's fiesta, which falls on May 8.

The opening activity was led by Mayor Victor Saclauso together with other local government officials and partners from the public and private sectors.

San Miguel, a 4th Class municipality located some 17 kilometers from Iloilo City, is a member of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) and the 2nd Iloilo Integrated Area Development Cluster.*PIA