BY NIÑO LUCES
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The return of the Pinangat Festival in Camalig, this province, on Saturday, June 10, has been postponed due to restive Mayon Volcano.
MAYON Volcano (Mayor Caloy Baldo FB)
Mayor Caloy Baldo on Thursday, June 8, said the festivity – halted by the pandemic for three years – was moved to a later date as the local government will focus on the safety of residents.
“As Mayor of Camalig, Albay, I understand the importance of the Pinangat Festival in celebrating our beloved town's distinct and rich culture and heritage,” Baldo said.
However, my main responsibility is to ensure the safety and welfare of my constituents, and after various discussions with our local councils and heads, I now firmly believe that postponing the Pinangat Festival (except religious activities) is the best and practical course of action under the current circumstances, he added.
Baldo said that the geographical location of Camalig is always a cause of concern due to its proximity to the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone.
Based on latest Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) data, 2,122 or 7,827 individuals need to be evacuated from the PDZ in Camalig.
Affected barangays are Anoling with 397 families, Quirangay with 929 families, Sua with 423 families, and Tumpa with 395 families.
“Let me reiterate that the safety of the Camaligueños will always be my top priority. With the threat of a volcanic eruption looming, it would be irresponsible to proceed with the Pinangat Festival as scheduled,” Baldo said.
“Camalig and other neighboring areas have seen and felt Mayon's wrath, which would definitely rub more salt to the wound if an eruption happens during the festival. From the immediate danger of lava flows, lahar, ash and rockfall episodes, and other toxic materials, its impacts are deemed very troubling," Baldo added.
Pinangat Festival was slated to be celebrated until June 24, the feast of Saint John the Baptist.
Highlight of the festival is longest line of pinangat eating.
"Please know that your lives are more valuable than any activity or any festival. In light of these concerns, I have officially made the difficult decision to postpone the Pinangat Festival to a later date this year. I understand that this decision is disappointing to many, but allow me to assure you that it is not taken lightly. I want to thank you all for bearing with us in this challenging time. Pinangat Festival is a very important event in our town, and I believe that we will come together again to celebrate it even more happily and care-free once the danger has passed," Baldo said.
Department of Tourism (DOT)-Bicol Director Herbie Aguas has issued an advisory that all tourism activities inside the PDZ are strictly prohibited.
"The public and tourism stakeholders are reminded to avoid entering the six-kilometer PDZ due to the threat of sudden steam-driven and phreatic eruptions. In addition, tourism activities at Mayon Skyline are already prohibited," Aguas said.
According to the Albay provincial government website, pinangat is a version of “laing,” a famous native chili-hot dish of Camalig which is a blend of ground pork, coconut milk, diced shrimps, and chili wrapped in gabi leaves.
It added that this dish is well-known among Bicolanos because of its distinctive taste that a Bicolano could perfect.
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