ILOILO – The 49th Carabao Carroza Festival in Pavia, Iloilo will push through on Monday, May 31, despite COVID-19.
Mayor Laurence Anthony Gorriceta confirmed the report with Panay News.
Gorriceta explained they decided to hold the first ever Digital Carabao Carroza Festival to provide entertainment and a sense of good mental health to all Pavianhons under the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Yes, kay sa amon pag-observe ang COVID-19 is also daw mental health sang isa ka tawo ang iya nga gina-igu man. So, by doing this, by entertaining our constituents mapahagan-hagan ta ang depression kay ti during sa isolation facility ikaw lang isa kag way upod pero may wifi na ang aton isolation facility. So, somehow kon makatan-aw sang aton program kag palagwa-on maka-gain man sila sang something positive and something like nga daw may palaabuton pa kita. So, amo na ang aton gina-promote subong to give pag-ulikid sa mental health sa aton mga pumoluyo,” Gorriceta said.
He added that only the parents, make-up artists, and municipal and barangay officials of Pavia will be allowed to enter the municipal covered gym to watch the live performance of the 18 candidates.
Observance of minimum health protocols such as wearing of facemasks, hand sanitizing, and social distancing will be strictly implemented.
According to the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Pavia has the highest number of COVID-19 deaths at 16, followed by Barotac Nuevo with 14, Oton with 14, Santa Barbara 10, Banate nine, Leganes nine, Cabatuan eight, Pototan eight, Passi City seven, and Estancia six.
Pavia also has the third highest number of cumulative COVID-19 cases at 511, 83 of which are active, 412 recovered, and 16 dead.
DIGITAL 49TH CARABAO CARROZA FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Meanwhile, the opening of the digital program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Digital and Virtual Pageant & Coronation Night starts at 7:00 p.m., which can be viewed via Balita Pavianhon FB Account and Panay Broadband Community Channel 15.
Competing for the crown will be eighteen candidates from the following barangays: Aganan, Amparo, Anilao, Balabag, Purok I (Poblacion), Purok II (Poblacion), Purok III (Poblacion), Purok IV (Poblacion), Cabugao Norte, Cabugao Sur, Jibao-an, Mali-ao, Pagsanga-an, Pal-agon, Pandac, Tigum, Ungka I, and Ungka II.
Aganan’s Elaisha Losaria Pomida, 18, the previous Carabao-Carroza Festival Queen, will be turning over her crown during the program./PN
