BORONGAN CITY, September 8, 2020 – In spite of the health problem that besets the world over, the Padul-ong Festival of the city was celebrated with major limitations to protect Boronganons from the COVID-19 virus.
The supposed 28th year of its staging, which would have featured stiff street dancing competition at the city plaza, the 2020 festival presentation was trimmed down to a solemn flotilla and procession around the city streets of the Patroness’ Image, the Nuestra Señora de la Natividad.
The celebration began at Barangay Punta Maria with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Despite the simple celebration, however, several spectators of the procession believed that the religious activity was largely observed with much accord, solemnity and veneration, despite some health restrictions.
Ms. Clarissa Apita-Villalon, one of the daughters of Hermano Mayor Judge Leonilo Apita said, “The celebration was totally different, but this is actually a big realization that brings us to our core who we are as Boronganons; who believe that at the end of the day, our priority is still our faith. Fiesta is about Mama Mary. It is not about festivities but about our faith,” she said.
Observant of his social and religious obligation, Mayor Dayan Agda himself observed the minimum health protocols, when he and better-half Dr. Rowena Agda boarded the mother boat to join the Hermana Mayor Family and the Image of the Patroness which was then transported to Borongan Rawis port.
Following health protocols, from close to 100 motorboats, only four authorized boats escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard and the CDRRMO, were allowed to join the water procession, because as Mayor Agda put it, there cannot be physical distancing, if the number of boat paraders will not be controlled and limited.
When the procession arrived at Rawis port, it was met by the family members of the Apita family who led in the reception of the Patroness’ statue, Vice Mayor Emman Tiu Sonco and the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Borongan.
Driving along the streets of the city with some attendees tagging along during the motorcade, people were seen crowding outside their houses flashing their lighted candles and some flowers as a show of respect and veneration to the Patroness.
In a brief media interview, Mayor Agda said, that the celebration is in itself a blessing which everyone must take cognizance of.
“Ini ngatanan nga mga grasya nga aton natatagamtagaman in angay igsumat ta ha Ginoo. Mayda ko nahibasahan nga kon diri ka nagyayakan, diri nim igin-mumugo, diri daman kuno it igin-hahatag. Salit yakna it niyo”, he said.
He added that people should empathize at the lives of those in need, as the essence of the celebration and as the moral values made known to the believers of the Mother of Jesus.
“Angay la kita hibaro ngatanan hit pagpaid, kay asya man ngani it aton pagtoo han batasan han Iroy han Ginoo Hesus ngan, para diri kita hingangalimot nga natutungtong pa kita hiton tuna. Diri kita magsala hiton aton mga pitad, it aton mga lider, mga pulitiko, sugad ha akon”, Mayor Agda stressed.
The procession ended with the presentation of the Image of Mama Mary to the church officials who stood in wait inside the Borongan Cathedral.
#(Photographs from Reginald James Lorico)
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