CANDABA -- Local folks here were surprised with the recent pronouncement of incoming Mayor Rene Maglanque about his plan to abolish the celebration of Ibon Ebon Festival.
They said that the celebration may probably not able to help boost the local economy but it was able to send the message of cooperation and unity among the participating groups from all villages in town.
"Siguro dapat huwag padalos dalos tutal malayo pa naman, pag aralan muna nilang mabuti kung ano ang dapat gawin batay sa kanilang priorities," Loida Batas, a resident here said.
Batas added that from a never-heard municipality, Candaba was placed in the world map in terms of conservation and protection of environment which was further bolstered by the migratory bird festival.
Maglanque, in an interview, said the Municipal Government under the current administration is spending some P5 million pesos for Ibon-Ebon celebration.
He believed that the budget allocated for only few days of celebration is too big, which according to him is best if given to indigent students who wanted to finish their studies.
"Mayroon pa rin tayong gagawin festival focus sa mga produkto ng Candaba pero ang pondo natin ay hindi na five million pesos. Yung isang milyon pwedi na at iyong savings natin ay ilalaan natin sa education program natin," Maglanque told Sun.Star Pampanga
However, the incoming mayor clarified that his plan is still subject to consultation with the local officials, residents and the private sector.