ILOILO – For the second consecutive year, the annual fiesta celebrations of four towns in this province was dampened by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
On Sept. 10, the towns of Cabatuan and Lambunao (3rd District), Guimbal (1st District) and Ajuy (5th District) simultaneously marked the feast of Saint Nicolas De Tolentino.
According to Mayor Ronilo Caspe of Cabatuan, the local government unit (LGU) did not conduct any activity to celebrate their fiesta; they did not want people to gather in the face of rising COVID-19 cases.
The LGU rather set up a community pantry together with local farmers in front of the municipal hall, Caspe told Panay News. Indigent residents availed themselves of vegetable and livestock there.
A simple mass was also held in honor of their patron.
As of Sept. 11, Cabatuan had 644 total confirmed cases – 140 active, 483 recovered and 21 deaths.
Families in Guimbal town, meanwhile, had simple household affairs.
“(W)e are restricted from celebrating our religious tradition in the manner we used to practice in the past. Instead, we encourage Guimbalanons to hold simple family affairs. For the welfare of everyone, we do suggest that you refrain from inviting non-Guimbalanons guests,” Mayor Oscar Garin said in a statement.
Guimbal had 254 active coronavirus cases as of Saturday.
On the other hand, Ajuy’s Mayor Jett Rojas said the LGU’s current priority is the health and safety of their constituents.
“As much as we all miss the lively festivities, we have no other choice but to cancel again our annual tradition of celebrating our municipal fiesta,” Rojas said. “During this critical time, I cannot stress enough the importance of revisiting and rethinking our priorities.”
He added: “Once we finish this battle with COVID-19, together let us bring back the excitement and fun during this time of the year, open our homes to family and friends, and celebrate our progress as a municipality. Until then, let us follow health protocols, get vaccinated, and always be mindful of the consequences of our actions.”
As of Sept. 11, Ajuy had 318 total confirmed cases, 72 of which remained active.
Lambunao town likewise celebrated a peaceful municipal fiesta.
The LGU under the leadership of Mayor Reynor Gonzales did not conduct any activities because the town’s COVID-19 cases were also on the rise.
Total confirmed cases in Lambunao have reached 714, of which 284 were active, 413 recovered and 17 died./PN
