THE Provincial Government of Bukidnon canceled Wednesday afternoon, February 12, the celebration of the province's Kaamulan Festival following the Department of Health's (DOH) recommendation to cancel huge events and mass gatherings until further notice due to risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.

In a memorandum order signed by Provincial Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, it was stated that the cancelation of the 2020 Kaamulan Festival is a proactive measure to keep the people of Bukidnon safe from the threat of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The governor also ordered all mayors and barangays to cancel all public events and mass gatherings that draw huge number of attendees in their respective areas of jurisdiction for the same reason.

In the DOH advisory on concerts and other public events and gatherings, the health department has assured the public that all measures to contain the potential spread of coronavirus infection are being explored, studied and implemented.

The DOH has also set up a command center that will focus solely on Covid-19 to expedite coordination and communication among government agencies involved in the response and management efforts.

The Kaamulan Festival is an annual ethnic festival that celebrates the customs and traditions of the seven tribal groups that originally inhabited the Bukidnon region, namely: the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon.

"Kaamulan" is from the Binukid word "amul," which means "to gather." It is held annually in Malaybalay City.