THE Municipality of Murcia commemorated its 160th town fiesta in honor of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion, with a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Diocese of Bacolod Bishop Most Reverend Patricio A. Buzon, SDB and Murcia parish priest Fr. Regner Dequiňa on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.
Unlike previous fiestas that were full of pomp and gaiety, this year’s commemoration was more subdued, in line with the health protocols mandated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We all want to be happy and experience a joyous celebration, but because of Covid-19, we cannot do this,” said Murcia Mayor Victor Gerardo M. Rojas.
“We take this opportunity during our fiesta to highlight and reiterate our gratitude for the selfless and tireless service of our medical professionals and health workers, military, police personnel and force multipliers, barangay and purok officials, municipal employees and all our frontliners,” he said.
“Together with Vice Mayor Johnny Reosura and our town councilors, I thank you for your dedication and sacrifice to ensure the safety and well-being of all Murciahanons from the start of the pandemic until now,” Rojas added.
After the thanksgiving mass, the mayor officiated a mass wedding at the town’s gymnasium. He explained that only eight couples participated because of the pandemic. The past mass weddings that he officiated during the town fiesta attracted 70 to 100 couples.
On December 1, the mayor launched “Tindabu-ay 2020” at the public plaza covered court, where local farmers and entrepreneurs showcased their products, consisting of vegetables, spices, cutflowers and ornamental plants, home-grown coffee, locally-produced peanut butter and cassava chips, baskets and many more.
According to the mayor, they modified the traditional “Tinabu-ay” theme to emphasize the necessity for Murciahanons to purchase their food needs directly from local producers, particularly in these difficult times.
“By buying directly from local producers, our constituents are assured of fresh and high-quality products at reasonable prices, and they also contribute to the faster circulation of money in the local economy,” Murcia first lady Berni Rojas said.
Mrs. Rojas said the farmers and producers registered robust sales from December 1 to 8, with some stalls compelled to close early because they ran out of products to sell thanks to the overwhelming patronage of clients not only from Murcia but also from neighboring localities.
The mayor also led the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree and Christmas lights at the plaza, as well as at government buildings. Further, he turned over a brand new 12-seater Toyota Grandia van to the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan under Reosura.
“During this Christmas season, we should celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, but we should also protect our health. The safety and well-being of all Murciahanons are among the top priorities of this administration. Continue practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, and the regular wearing of face masks and face shields. Together, we can overcome this pandemic,” the mayor said. (PR)