FLUVIAL PARADE. The image of St. William is carried in a fluvial procession along the waters off Metro Gabu and Metro La Paz on Tuesday (Feb. 28, 2023). This culminates in the city fiesta celebration in honor of its patron saint. (Photo courtesy Alwyn Formantes/City Government of Laoag)
LAOAG CITY – A total of 155 decorated fishing boats joined the fourth fluvial procession for the Pamulinawen Festival in the waters off Metro Gabu and Metro La Paz in this city on Tuesday.
To culminate the feast of St. William the Hermit, the city’s patron saint, devotees led by Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon started the procession of the image of St. William from the Cathedral, passing through downtown Laoag leading to the coastal villages of Metro Gabu and Metro La Paz where a newly refurbished fish port is located.
Keon said now in its fourth year, the fluvial procession culminates the month-long celebration of the city’s Pamulinawen Festival, a celebration of faith, culture, and history of the Laoageños.
“The fluvial procession marks the formal closing of the Pamulinawen Festival. We have carried this out even during the pandemic because many coastal villagers believe our patron saint is the source of many blessings,” he said.
Aside from the image of St. William, the images of San Guillermo, San Rafael, and Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje also became part of the procession.
Like in other parts of the country, faith tourism is also being promoted in the city known for its Spanish-era churches and historical landmarks, such as the sinking bell tower. Hundreds of visitors flock to these sites out of faith or pilgrimage.
The city of Laoag hopes to achieve economic progress, create more jobs, and strengthen tourism with the conduct of activities promoting its heritage sites and natural attractions. (PNA)
