Sagada:The municipal government of Sagada, Mountain Province, has issued a reminder to visitors that "panag-apoy," the tradition of lighting pine fatwood near the graves of departed loved ones, is a solemn cultural and spiritual observance, not a tourism spectacle.
' 'Panag-apoy' is a long-standing #Sagada tradition of honoring departed loved ones during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day through the lighting of 'saeng' (fatwood). It is a solemn cultural and spiritual observance,' Mayor Felicito Dula said in a message on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, visitors are encouraged to respectfully observe the tradition but must adhere to local guidelines and avoid disrupting families and community members during this period of remembrance.
Under the municipality's guidelines for #Undas2026, tours to Echo Valley and Paytokan, which passes the town's public cemetery, will be suspended starting at 1201 p.m. on Nov. 1.
Visitors may observe "panag-apoy" from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. only if accompanied by an authorized tourist guide. Tourists and media personnel must remain in the designated observation area along the road leading to Globe Tower, as stated in a municipal advisory. The lighting of the 'saeng' will commence once the priests arrive and lead prayers at the cemetery altar.
The municipal government has also urged visitors to respect families and community members and to keep pathways clear. Alma Louise Bagano, a member of the Sagada Inns and Hotels Association, reiterated this call in a social media post, advising travel agencies, tour operators, and tourists not to promote "panag-apoy" as a must-see attraction. She emphasized that the observance is a way for residents to remember their departed loved ones through prayers and by lighting fires near their graves.
Bagano stated, "It is not true that we do this for tourists to come and see. It is not true that this is part of our tourist attractions in Sagada. We are not doing this to attract tourists, so please do not advertise it like it is a must-see for tourists." She urged visitors staying in Sagada during the observance to allow residents to carry out their rituals in silence and without an audience.
For the community, "panag-apoy" is a time for remembrance and honoring the dead, and visitors are asked to respect its solemn nature.
