BACOLOD City – The city government is prohibiting “San Juan” celebrations on June 24 in all public places, including shorelines, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In predominantly Christian Philippines, June 24 is the feast of St. John the Baptist. Filipinos traditionally celebrate it by going to beaches or playfully dousing one another with water – a nod to the saint’s having baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.
“The feast usually gathers big crowds…and this is what we want to avoid,” said Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
Water splashing in all public places is also prohibited.
“Bacolod has been experiencing a spike in COVID-19 infections for the past 14 days, with the Department of Health Region 6 classifying this city a high-risk area,” Leonardia said. “Vigilance and caution must be exercised in matters of public safety and health.”
Beach and mountain resorts, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in barangays Punta Taytay, Pahanocoy, Alangilan, and Granada welcomed the mayor’s order.
Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and officials of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) held consultation meetings on June 18 and 19.
“This is a big boost to our efforts to contain the spread of the virus. We cannot afford to have thousands of people flocking to the beaches,” said Leonardia.
He urged residents to comply with the minimum health protocols such as proper wearing of face masks and face shields; observing physical distancing of at least one meter, as well as follow the curfew hours and the liquor ban./PN