AMID the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Dagitab Festival in City of Naga, southern Cebu has been canceled for the second time since 2020.
However, the City has prepared a series of activities for the public. Dagitab is a festival of lights that is celebrated in the city every Dec. 23 of each year, two days before Christmas Day. The festival was last held in 2019.
Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong told Sunstar Cebu on Dec. 5 that the “Pasko sa Naga” (a display of Christmas decor) in the city’s plaza will be lit on Dec. 8. The ceremonial lighting aims to give hope to the people of the city, including those visiting from other places.
“The whole park will be lighted, to give hope and at least a Christmas spirit amid the pandemic,” she said.
Chiong said only 70 percent of park’s capacity will be filled with audience. Minimum health requirements will be enforced.
The mayor further said that the City has partnered with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. to create a mural on the walls inside the plaza. Titled “Graffiti Shots of Hope,” the artwork aims to encourage people to get vaccinated, Chiong said.
Despite the street parade and dance showdown being canceled, the City will stage a search for the “Miss Dagitab Festival Queen 2021” that will be held at the grand oval beside the Naga City Central School on Dec. 23.