ILOILO City – Due to the increasing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Guimaras, Gov. Samuel Gumarin has scrapped all face-to-face activities of the Manggahan Festival 2021 slated this May 20 to 22.
The provincial government earlier announced the festival is pushing through – with virtual and physical activities.
Manggahan Festival is a yearly month-long (every May) socio-cultural celebration of Guimaras’ culture, traditions and economy anchored on one of its most successful industries – mango cultivation.
Yesterday, Gumarin issued an executive order cancelling all events that would draw large crowds.
As of May 16, data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of Guimaras showed a total of 24 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 466 (49 active, 409 recovered and eight deaths), according to Gumarin.
Among the cancelled events were the Manggahan Ride (Bike and Motorcycle), Manggahan Sports Fest, Agri-Trade Fair, Press Conference, and Manggahan by the Beach, “to prevent the increase of local transmission arrest the continuous rise of COVID-19 cases in the province,” Gumarin said.
Non-essential travel for both residents and non-residents to and from Guimaras are also highly discouraged.
Mass gathering and the conduct of contact sports are strictly prohibited.
“The rising number of COVID-19 cases in Guimaras and in our neighboring provinces is alarming. We cannot take for granted the safety of the Guimarasnons and the tourists who will visit the province during the celebration of Manggahan Festival,” Gumarin said in a video release.
“Kon padayunon gid naton ang iban nga mga aktibidad sa aton selebrasyon, basi mangin rason pa ini nga maglapta pa gid ang virus kag magdamo ang cases naton sa probinsiya kag sa Western Visayas. We can still celebrate Manggahan Festival through our virtual events,” he added.
Virtual events such as Butlak Guimaras Specials mini-documentaries, Mobile Legends tournament and Vlog-Making Contest, among others will be pushing through.
The governor will also deliver a State of the Province Address (SOPA) which would be the festival’s highlight on May 22./PN
