FLAG CEREMONY. Mayor Michael M. Keon addresses city hall employees and other government officials during the flag raising ceremony held at the Laoag City Hall on Monday (Feb. 1, 2021). The ceremony formally opened the city’s Pamulinawen Festival. (Photo courtesy of the City Government of Laoag)
LAOAG CITY – Residents here are celebrating the city’s Pamulinawen Festival that is quite different from the joyful and festive celebration in previous years due to the continuing threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
On early Monday, residents were awakened to the traditional beat of drums roaming around the city to usher the month-long festivity.
But unlike before, the series of activities this year will be done virtually, said Mayor Michael M. Keon as he led the flag-raising ceremony in front of the Laoag City Hall to formally open the festival.
Through the years, the "Pamulinawen" festival has evolved into a popular celebration, attracting tourists and balikbayans. It showcases the rich Ilokano culture presented through interpretative dances and literary arts contests, among others.
According to Keon, this year’s celebration can still be enjoyed by residents at home as the prepared activities will be shown live via the city government’s Facebook Page and YouTube while the participants are expected to follow the minimum health and safety protocols set by the Inter-agency Task Force on Covid-19.
Among the activities prepared this year include an online feature of fireworks display, a food fair showcasing Laoag’s native delicacies, Comedia Ilokano (theatrical play), search for Mister and Miss Laoag, pigeon show, dog show, and the launch of Padsan river cruise fluvial parade covering Metro La Paz and Metro Gabu, among others.
According to City Tourism officer Ana Carmela Ventura-Remigio, the Padsan river cruise may be added as another tourist attraction in the city when fully developed.
“Celebrating the Laoageño ingenuity, diversity, unity and faith is more than any bright light and spectacular parades. As we continue to heal, let us be grateful for the life and blessings we still receive from the Almighty with the intercession of our Patron Saint, St. William The Hermit,” she said.
From General Community Quarantine, Laoag has reverted to Modified General Community Quarantine since January 26 with a total of 424 recoveries from the 453 Covid-19 cases recorded since the pandemic began last year.
At present, the City Health Office is monitoring the remaining 29 active cases who will be discharged as soon as they complete their 14-day quarantine. (PNA)
