CITY of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago announced Friday, March 13, the cancellation of Maleldo activities, mainly the reenactment of the crucifixion rites, which is an annual activity in the city during Holy Week.
"We don't have to panic. We just have to follow [Department of Health] protocols, including the joint memorandum for holding public gatherings. We are not disrespecting [the flagellants'] religious beliefs and practices, but we actually are protecting them from the disease that may put them and their family at risk," Santiago said.
The move is one of the precautionary measures of the city to ensure the health and safety of both Fernandinos and possible tourists against the growing cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), which has now put the country in a state of public health emergency.
The Department of Health (DOH) has also recommended to all local government units to cancel public gatherings that attract huge crowds -- particularly those with more than 1,000 attendees -- to contain Covid-19.
Thus, the city discouraged the barangays in holding huge religious activities and practices like the crucifixion rites, which attract local and international tourists into the city.
Barangay San Juan and San Pedro, which host the city's crucifixion rites, had agreed with the mayor in his decision but said they would continue the traditional "Pabasa."
Meanwhile, Barangay Sta. Lucia cancelled its "Lasa ning Guinu Presentation" and will just instead hold "Oplan Bantay Magdarame" to assist its flagellants.
Barangay Teresita also cancelled its "Tira Bakal" and discouraged constituents from participating in religious practices of flagellation most commonly known as "magdarame."
The said barangays will further hold a separate meeting to identify their flagellants and advise them to defer the practices for the meantime as the threat of Covid-19 grows.
Barangays that cannot stop flagellants and similar religious practices for Lent are enjoined to have their own Event Infection Control Plan as a precautionary measure.
The city's Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease of San Fernando has issued Resolution 2020-001, recommending the adoption of the City Infection Control Policy for all public events in the city.
Dr. Eloisa Aquino, city health officer, said organizers of events should strictly implement all the guidelines in handling guests during the activity.
The guidelines include monitoring of all participants in public events with infrared thermometers; providing the participants with hand sanitizers or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, surgical masks; and providing wastebaskets for the proper disposal of all types of wastes.
On top of this, the city encouraged and advised the public to avoid attending events that are crowded and practice self-protection measures to avoid transmission of the said disease. (PR)