CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The city government here has canceled the annual traditional activities during the observance of the Lenten season.
The move is part of the precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of the residents and visitors amid the rising cases of new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the country.
Mayor Edwin Santiago said the cancellation of the Maleldo activities, mainly the reenactment of the crucifixion rites, is in response to the recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH) to cancel public gatherings which attract huge crowds to contain Covid-19.
“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,” the mayor said in a statement.
As part of the Maleldo, a Kapampangan word meaning Holy Week, the "Via Crusis" is being held, highlighted by several penitents literally nailed to the wooden crosses in a makeshift Calvary in Barangay San Pedro Cutud and Barangay San Juan, both in this city.
Prior to the actual nailing rites, hundreds of penitents called "magdarame" (flagellants), parade on the streets carrying wooden crosses and whipping their backs with bamboo stick called "burilyos."
At the end of their agonizing walk, some of the penitents go to the man-made Calvary for the actual crucifixions.
Barangay San Juan and San Pedro Cutud, which host the city’s crucifixion rites, have agreed with the mayor in his decision to cancel the events, but said they would continue the traditional “Pabasa.”
Santiago, however, said those barangays that cannot stop those who would engage in religious Lent practices are enjoined to have their own event infection control plan as a precautionary measure.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease of San Fernando has issued Resolution No. 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 that 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 government has encouraged and advised the public to avoid attending events with huge crowds and to practice self-protection measures to avoid transmission of the Covid-19. (PNA)