EXECUTIVE Secretary Salvador Medialdea has signed Proclamation 921, declaring Friday, March 20, a special non-working day for La Trinidad, Benguet in the celebration of the 39th Strawberry Festival.
La Trinidad officials earlier cancelled the 2020 strawberry fest due to the threat of Covid-19 and urged stakeholders to stay healthy and exercise all precautionary measures.
La Trinidad Strawberry Executive Committee headed by Mayor Romeo Salda, Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan with the municipal council and municipal tourism officer Valred Olsim convened February 11 to decide on whether to cancel or move the annual crowd drawing event.
The execom based their decision on the Department of Health (DOH) advisory.
"To further minimize the risk of contracting 2019-nCoV ARD, the public is advised to avoid crowded places and continue to practice self-protection measures," the advisory added.
Eight councilors voted for the cancellation, while four legislators voted to reschedule the event.
Salda asked for the understanding of affected stakeholders and guest.
The 2020 Strawberry Festival with the theme "The Strawberry story, adapting, growing, thriving," was scheduled March 9 to March 31.