ILOILO – From towering Christmas trees to sparkling lights and designs, visual presentations in public plazas have become a staple in the province’s 42 towns and one component city.
But the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic appears to be the Grinch that may ruin this annual tradition.
Yesterday, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. urged local government units (LGUs) to forego staging “festivals of lights” leading to Christmas Day in their localities.
Such events, like Pototan’s Iwag Festival of Lights, could attract crowds that could increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission, warned Defensor.
Every December, crowds are drawn to the extravagant display of holiday lights at the Pototan Plaza – known as the “Christmas Capital of Western Visayas”.
During this pandemic, however, said Defensor, it would be too complicated to host a “public spectacle” under health protocols set out to avert COVID-19 transmission.
Defensor reiterated the provisions of his Executive Order No. 183-E that enforces additional and adjusted community quarantine measures on public events and gatherings under modified general community quarantine.
“Indi na puede ang festivals subong, ara na sa aton executive order,” Defensor pointed out.
But this does not mean LGUs could no longer adorn their plazas with Christmas lights and decorations.
“Allowed man ang pagbutang sang mga lights pero gamay ukon i-limit lang, para lamang mabatyagan ukon mabuhi ang Christmas spirit,” Defensor clarified.
Aside from “festivals of lights”, the governor said he may also prohibit caroling and fireworks display.
“Wala pa man ang Christmas. Lantawon ta anay kon ano ang aton buhinan sa Christmas naton,” said Defensor.
He earlier cited the assessment of contact tracers and the recommendation of the Philippine National Police, which point to mass gatherings as the main contributor to the local spread of COVID-19.
As of Nov. 7, Iloilo province had a total of 2,237 COVID-19 cases – 1,699 of which were active, 1,680 recovered and 68 died./PN
