RESIDENTS of Cordova, Cebu will still proceed with its yearly Bakasi and Dinagat Festival on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, but will celebrate it virtually.
In a statement posted on the town’s official Facebook (FB) page, Mayor Teresa Sitoy-Cho said their fiesta celebration in honor of San Roque will continue but without the usual fanfare due to the quarantine protocol issued by the Cebu Provincial Government.
Like majority of areas in Cebu Province, Cordova is under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), which has fewer quarantine restrictions. But areas on MGCQ still can’t celebrate fiesta celebrations and other community activities in compliance with Executive Order 20 of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Cho said the town will observe a “virtual” celebration through the use of social media and online platforms.
“We wanted to offer thanks to our patron saint as he is often invoked during times of pandemic. Our parish has requested us if it’s okay if aside from prayers for San Roque during this fiesta, we also offer a “halad” or dance offering,” Cho said.
On Sunday, a mass will be held at the local parish and will be broadcast online.
After the mass, representatives from the 13 barangays who are competing in the dance festival will parade through the town’s streets. The parade will also be broadcast.
Cho said to prevent the spread of Covid-19, dancers will be required to wear face masks during the activity. Tanods and police will be deployed to ensure that safety and health protocols are observed.
Cho also assured that the actual dancing was pre-recorded and will only be shown on the town’s FB page. She hopes the activity will serve as a prayer offering to finally see an end to the health crisis. (ANV / JKV)