BACOLOD City – The local government of unit Sagay City, Negros Occidental canceled this year’s 24th Sinigayan Festival as a precautionary measure against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Mayor Alfredo Marañon III issued Executive Order (EO) No. 005-AOM, suspending the major events during the festival slated March 14 to 19.
“Upon consultation with the Vice Mayor [Narciso Javelosa Jr.] and other stakeholders, we decided with much regret to cancel the celebration of the Sinigayan Festival,” Marañon said.
He has cited the Department of Health’s advisory urging the public to avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees, thus, recommending the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice.
But, despite the cancellation of the said celebration, Marañon clarified that the religious activities in the church and the ongoing Voice idol of Sagay Kids and Teens are exempted.
“All other planned celebrations that will draw a huge number of attendees are cancelled,” he said.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bago City, Negros Occidental also canceled the celebration of the city’s 54th Charter Day anniversary on Feb. 11 to 19.
But, in Valladolid, Negros Occidental, the town’s Anti-Corona Virus Task Force unanimously approved to continue the Pasundayag Festival, an annual fiesta celebration of the town to be highlighted by the Street and Arena Dance competition on Feb. 28./PN
