With the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases increasing anew, the city government has called off the Ibalong Festival that was supposed to resume in August after two years.
Agapita Pacres, head of the City Tourism Office, posted the cancellation on social media near midnight Friday.
“In the interest of safety and health, and (in) consideration of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases, we would like to inform the general public that the 31st celebration of Ibalong Festival this Aug. 12 to 21, 2022, is hereby canceled,” Pacres posted.
Despite the cancellation of the festival, tourists are still welcome.
“As of today, tourists are very much welcome in the city and experience the city of adventure. As to the resorts and hotels, we are still implementing the health protocols. In case of any changes, we will wait for the official recommendation of the Covid-19 Task Force,” Pacres said in an interview on Saturday.
The cancellation was made upon the recommendation of the task force and the Ibalong executive committee to prevent the further spread of the virus.
As of July 4, the Department of Health 5 (Bicol) reported 401 active cases, 27 of which are in Legazpi City.
The Ibalong Festival is a non-religious event depicting Bicol’s early beginnings based on the Ibalong epic of mythical heroes, villains, monsters, and wild animals.
Source: Philippines News Agency
