ILIGAN CITY --- Roman Catholic devotees here are expected to flock to St. Michael's Cathedral on Tuesday, September 20, to join the Pakanaug ritual, a tradition performed to start the nine-day fiesta novena.
Tuesday, September 20, is a local non-working holiday by virtue of a city ordinance.
Pakanaug is a religious ritual transferring the image of Sr. San Miguel from the the altar to the lower side of the Cathedral while devotees chant "Viva Sr. San Miguel!"
In the past years, the veneration of the city's patron saint was led by the congressman, the city mayor and the city's police chief, the three holding the head gear, shield and kalo.
The tradition, however, was changed after relationships between local government elected officials and church leaders were affected by local politics.
"Catholic devotees have a lot of 'miraculous stories' to tell that make them believe Sr. San Miguel has done something good by protecting the city from evil. The best thing is that the tri-people in Iligan, that consist of Higaonon, Christian and Maranao believe that San Miguel is Iligan City's protector. That's why we have this annual veneration of our patron saint," said Nicolette Dela Cruz, Secretariat Head of the Diyandi Festival sa Iligan.
Pakanaug is one of the highlights of the Diyandi Festival, a month-long fiesta celebration.
The Pakanaug rites will start at 6:15 a.m.